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India-Saudi Arabia Strengthen Anti-Terror Alliance, Review Security Cooperation

India and Saudi Arabia held their third Security Working Group meeting in Riyadh, focusing on strengthening cooperation against terrorism and emerging security challenges. Officials from both nations reviewed ongoing security collaboration and discussed measures to deepen legal, judicial, and law enforcement ties. The meeting condemned recent terrorist attacks in Pahalgam and near Delhi's Red Fort, emphasizing a shared stance against cross-border terrorism. The dialogue aligns with the expanded Strategic Partnership Council, which now includes defence and tourism committees, following Prime Minister Modi's recent visit.

Key Points: India, Saudi Arabia Discuss Counter-Terrorism, Security Cooperation

  • Enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation
  • Combating terror financing & extremism
  • Deepening legal & law enforcement ties
  • Condemned recent terror attacks in India
3 min read

India and Saudi Arabia discuss emerging challenges to counter terrorism

India and Saudi Arabia held a security meeting, condemning cross-border terrorism and discussing enhanced cooperation against extremism and terror financing.

"Both sides reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism - MEA Statement"

Riyadh/New Delhi, Jan 28 India and Saudi Arabia held the third meeting of Security Working Group under the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee of Strategic Partnership Council in Riyadh on Wednesday, reviewing the ongoing bilateral security cooperation.

The two nations shared views on enhancing cooperation in current and emerging challenges to counter terrorism, including countering extremism and radicalisation, combatting financing of terrorism, preventing use of technology for terrorist purposes, nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism.

The officials of India and Saudi Arabia deliberated upon measures to further deepen bilateral legal and judicial cooperation and law enforcement cooperation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

"Both sides reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross border terrorism and the dastardly terrorist attack on innocent civilians on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the terror incident on 10 November 2025 near Red Fort, New Delhi," read a statement issued by the MEA.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs and Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director General of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior. The next meeting of the Security Working Group will be held in India on a mutually-convenient date.

Earlier this week, the top leadership of Saudi Arabia, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, congratulated President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of Republic Day.

"The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, sent a congratulatory cable to Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India, on the occasion of her country's Republic Day," read a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia.

"The King expressed his sincere congratulations and best wishes for continued health and happiness to Her Excellency, and for continued progress and prosperity to the government and people of the friendly Republic of India. He praised the distinguished relations that bind the two friendly countries, which everyone is keen to develop in all fields," the statement added.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent a congratulatory cable to President Murmu on the Republic Day.

"His Highness the Crown Prince expressed his best wishes for good health and happiness to Her Excellency, and for further progress and prosperity to the government and people of the friendly Republic of India," the Saudi MFA stated.

Last April, India and Saudi Arabia expanded their bilateral Strategic Partnership Council by adding two new ministerial committees -- for defence cooperation and tourism and culture -- during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to the Middle Eastern nation.

This was PM Modi's third visit to Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The visit, however, was cut short due to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and expressed satisfaction over the deepening cooperation across various fields including defence, energy, trade, investment, technology, and education.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the condemnation of cross-border terrorism mentioned explicitly. The Pahalgam and Red Fort attacks were horrific. Hope this cooperation leads to concrete, actionable intelligence sharing to prevent such tragedies.
R
Rohit P
While the diplomatic statements are welcome, we need to see results on the ground. The nexus between organised crime and terror funding is a huge challenge. Our agencies must leverage this partnership effectively.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, India's growing strategic depth in the Middle East is impressive. From energy to defence to counter-terrorism, this partnership is multifaceted and vital for the 21st century.
V
Vikram M
The focus on preventing the use of technology for terror is so important now. From encrypted chats to drone drops, terrorists are always innovating. Our cyber and tech cooperation with Saudi needs to be top-notch.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, we must ensure our partnerships don't come at the cost of our principles. While counter-terror cooperation is essential, we should also consistently advocate for the rights and welfare of the large Indian diaspora working in the Gulf region.
M
Michael C
The Republic Day greetings from the Saudi leadership show the relationship is in good health at the highest levels. Strong personal equations between leaders often translate to smoother

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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