National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh for wide-ranging talks on regional security, energy cooperation and the protection of vital maritime routes, as continuing instability in West Asia keeps the region on edge.
The meeting marks Doval’s second visit to Saudi Arabia in two months and his third this year, highlighting the growing frequency of high-level engagement between New Delhi and Riyadh.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides reviewed bilateral ties and explored ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
They also discussed the latest regional developments, efforts to enhance energy security and measures to safeguard key maritime corridors. Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati was also present.
For India, the discussions go well beyond energy supplies. Saudi Arabia remains one of India’s largest sources of crude oil and petroleum products, while shipping lanes through the Gulf and the Red Sea are critical to India’s trade.
The security of these routes is also vital for thousands of Indian seafarers serving aboard merchant vessels operating in the region.
The talks also focused on the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, around 2.7 million Indians live and work in the Kingdom, making them the country’s largest expatriate community. Their safety remains a key priority for New Delhi, particularly during periods of heightened regional uncertainty.
India and Saudi Arabia have steadily expanded defence and security cooperation in recent years, covering counter-terrorism, defence industries, capacity building and regular security exchanges.
Riyadh’s drive to diversify defence procurement and build indigenous manufacturing has also created opportunities for collaboration with India’s growing defence industry.
The meeting was held under the framework of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, which oversees cooperation across political, security, defence, trade, investment and cultural sectors.
In December last year, the two countries signed a Visa Waiver Agreement to facilitate official travel under the Council’s framework.
Doval last visited Riyadh in April, when he held separate meetings with Prince Faisal, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Saudi National Security Advisor Musaed bin Mohammed Al Aiban. Those discussions also centred on bilateral relations, energy cooperation and regional developments.
Over the past decade, India and Saudi Arabia have transformed their relationship into a broad-based strategic partnership spanning energy, investment, defence, security, counter-terrorism and people-to-people ties anchored by the Indian diaspora.
