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NSA Ajit Doval in Riyadh to Boost India-Saudi Security Ties

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has arrived in Riyadh for an official visit, highlighting deepening strategic engagement between India and Saudi Arabia. The visit follows a recent Security Working Group meeting where both nations strongly condemned recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and near the Red Fort. Officials from both sides comprehensively reviewed security cooperation and discussed enhancing collaboration against terrorism, extremism, and terror financing. The next meeting of the Security Working Group is scheduled to be held in India.

Key Points: Ajit Doval Visits Saudi Arabia for Strategic Security Talks

  • Doval's Riyadh visit for strategic talks
  • Joint condemnation of Pahalgam & Red Fort attacks
  • Review of bilateral security cooperation
  • Focus on countering terror financing & tech misuse
2 min read

NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Saudi Arabia for official visit

NSA Ajit Doval arrives in Riyadh for official visit, focusing on counter-terrorism cooperation and strengthening India-Saudi strategic partnership.

"Both sides reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations - Ministry of External Affairs"

Riyadh, February 3

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday arrived in Riyadh for an official visit, underscoring the growing strategic engagement between India and Saudi Arabia.

Doval was received at the airport by India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, and Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, Ambassador Dr Saud Al-Sati, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.

On January 28, Saudi Arabia condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort terror incident.

At the 3rd meeting of ofthe India-Saudi Arabia Security Working Group under the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council, both parties condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The meeting was held on January 28 in Riyadh. The meeting was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of External Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director General of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation, Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.

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, as per the statement.

The two sides comprehensively reviewed the ongoing security cooperation. They discussed threats posed by terrorist groups globally and in their respective regions.

Both sides shared views on enhancing cooperation on current and emerging challenges in counter-terrorism, including countering extremism and radicalisation, combating the financing of terrorism, preventing the use of technology for terrorist purposes, and the nexus between transnational organised crime and terrorism. They also deliberated upon measures to further strengthen bilateral legal and judicial cooperation and law enforcement cooperation.

The next meeting of the Security Working Group will be held in India on a mutually convenient date, the statement added.Earlier on January 22, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said that Secretary (South), Neena Malhotra, met resident Ambassadors of Arab countries to review ongoing cooperation between India and the Arab countries.

In a post on X, the MEA said, "Secretary (South), Dr. Neena Malhotra met resident Ambassadors of Arab countries to review ongoing cooperation between India and the Arab countries and also preparations for forthcoming meetings. They also identified specific focus areas and activities in diverse sectors to drive the partnership forward."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see our relations with Saudi Arabia deepening beyond just oil and trade. Counter-terrorism cooperation is vital for regional stability. Hope this leads to concrete action against terror financing networks.
R
Rohit P
While the diplomatic engagement is positive, we need to see tangible outcomes. Condemnations are fine, but what about extradition treaties and intelligence sharing to actually nab the perpetrators? The proof will be in the pudding.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Riyadh, it's heartening to see such high-level visits. The Indian community here feels more secure when our homeland's security is a priority in bilateral talks. The ambassador's involvement shows good coordination.
V
Vikram M
The focus on countering the use of technology for terror is very timely. With cyber threats rising, cooperation with a tech-savvy nation like Saudi Arabia can be a game-changer for our agencies. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
This is part of a larger West Asia strategy. After the I2U2 and IMEC, securing strong ties with Saudi is essential for India's energy security and economic corridor plans. Doval Sir is the right person for this job.

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