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Doval Meets Saudi Counterpart, Boosts Security Ties Amid Terror Talks

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a productive meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, in Riyadh. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral security cooperation and addressing regional issues of mutual interest. This visit follows a recent Security Working Group meeting where both nations strongly condemned terrorism, including specific attacks in Pahalgam and near the Red Fort. The talks also covered measures to strengthen legal, judicial, and law enforcement collaboration against emerging threats.

Key Points: India-Saudi NSA Meet: Security Cooperation & Terrorism Condemned

  • High-level security dialogue in Riyadh
  • Condemnation of recent terror attacks in India
  • Review of counter-terrorism cooperation
  • Focus on combating terror financing & tech misuse
3 min read

NSA Doval meets Saudi counterpart Al-Aiban; discusses bilateral cooperation

NSA Ajit Doval meets Saudi Arabia's Musaed Al-Aiban in Riyadh. Talks cover bilateral cooperation, counter-terrorism, and regional security issues.

"The discussions covered bilateral cooperation as well as regional and other issues of mutual interest - Indian Embassy in Riyadh"

Riyadh, February 4

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday met Saudi Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser, Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, during his visit to the country.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said its discussions covered bilateral cooperation, regional issues, and other mutual interests.

"Hon'ble NSA Shri Ajit Doval held a productive meeting with the Saudi Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet, and National Security Adviser, H.E. Dr. Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. The discussions covered bilateral cooperation as well as regional and other issues of mutual interest", the post said.

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

He 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.

His visit comes shortly after, on January 28, Saudi Arabia condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort terror incident.

At the 3rd meeting of the 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 counter-terrorism challenges, 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
This is positive news. Saudi Arabia is a key partner in the Gulf. Hope these discussions also focus on creating more job opportunities for our skilled professionals in Saudi and boosting trade beyond oil.
R
Rohit P
Good to see our NSA is active. The part about combating cross-border terrorism is most important. We need all our friends in the region to understand the threats we face and stand with us.
S
Sarah B
While the strategic partnership is vital, I hope our discussions also include human rights and the welfare of the large Indian diaspora working there. Their protection should be a top priority.
V
Vikram M
Strong ties with Saudi Arabia benefit both nations. From Hajj pilgrimage facilities to investments in India, this relationship touches many lives. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The focus on technology and terrorism financing is timely. These are modern challenges. Hope this leads to concrete action and intelligence sharing, not just statements.

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