Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | 21 July 2026: India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval concluded an official visit to Riyadh on 20 July, holding a series of high-level meetings with senior Saudi leaders aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. The discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments, energy security and other issues of mutual interest.
Upon his arrival in the Saudi capital, Doval received a warm welcome at the airport from Dr. Saud Al-Sati, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Suhel Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, reflecting the close diplomatic ties between the two countries.
During the visit, the Indian NSA met Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, National Security Advisor of Saudi Arabia. The meetings reviewed the steady progress of India–Saudi bilateral relations and explored opportunities to further strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors.
According to official statements, both sides discussed the evolving regional situation in West Asia and exchanged views on regional stability, security challenges and matters of shared interest. The leaders also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in energy security and safeguarding critical maritime corridors that support global trade and energy supplies.
The visit comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region, making regular strategic consultations between New Delhi and Riyadh increasingly significant. India and Saudi Arabia have continued to deepen cooperation in recent years through the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, expanding engagement in areas including energy, investment, defence, security, technology and economic collaboration.
Doval’s meetings reinforced the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining close coordination on regional and global developments while advancing their long standing strategic partnership. Officials from both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in addressing common security concerns and supporting peace and stability across the region.
The Riyadh visit marks another important milestone in the growing India–Saudi relationship, highlighting the strong political trust between the two countries and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across key strategic and economic sectors.
