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India-Saudi Arabia Boost Security Ties: NSA Doval Meets Saudi Counterpart

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a productive meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, in Riyadh. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and addressing regional issues of mutual interest. The talks follow a recent Security Working Group meeting where both nations reviewed counter-terrorism efforts and condemned specific terror attacks. Officials from both sides worked on measures to deepen legal, judicial, and law enforcement collaboration.

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

  • High-level security talks in Riyadh
  • Condemnation of cross-border terrorism
  • Enhanced counter-terror cooperation
  • Deepening legal & law enforcement ties
2 min read

NSA Doval discusses bilateral, regional cooperation with Saudi counterpart

NSA Ajit Doval meets Saudi counterpart Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban in Riyadh to deepen bilateral security and counter-terrorism cooperation.

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

Riyadh, Feb 4

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Saudi counterpart, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, on Wednesday, discussed bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and other issues of shared interest.

"NSA Ajit Doval held a productive meeting with the Saudi Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation as well as regional and other issues of mutual interest," the Embassy of India in Riyadh posted on X.

Doval arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday for an official visit and was received at the Airport by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saud Al-Sati.

This comes against the backdrop of the ongoing security cooperation talks between the two nations.

Last week, India and Saudi Arabia held the third meeting of the Security Working Group under the Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council in Riyadh, 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, combating financing of terrorism, preventing use of technology for terrorist purposes, and the 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 April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the terror incident on November 10, 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 MEA 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is positive news. Saudi Arabia is a key partner in the Gulf. Hope these talks also focus on protecting the interests of our huge Indian diaspora working there. Their safety and welfare should always be a top priority in such high-level meetings.
R
Rohit P
While the diplomatic language is good, I hope there is concrete action on the ground. Combating terror financing is vital. Saudi's stance on issues affecting India needs to be clear and consistent, not just in statements but in practice.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on legal and judicial cooperation. This could be very beneficial for resolving commercial disputes and extradition cases. Strong institutional frameworks make partnerships more durable.
V
Vikram M
Jaishankar Sir's West Asia diplomacy is being carried forward well. The mention of the Pahalgam and Red Fort attacks is significant – it shows we are keeping our security concerns firmly on the table. More power to our diplomats!
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Karthik V
Cooperation on "emerging challenges" and technology used for terror is the need of the hour. Hope they are discussing cyber security and drone threats too. These bilateral mechanisms are good, but the outcomes matter most.

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

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