India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Holds High‑Level Talks with Saudi Leadership in Riyadh

On Monday, July 20, National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval touched down in Riyadh and was greeted with a warm welcome at the airport. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Dr. Saud Al‑Sati and Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan were there to receive him, a gesture that signalled the importance both sides place on the visit.

During his three‑day stay, Doval sat down with a slate of senior Saudi officials. He met H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Kingdom’s Energy Minister, to talk about oil markets, renewable‑energy projects and the way forward for bilateral energy cooperation. In the same vein, he held a separate conversation with H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Foreign Minister, covering everything from trade corridors to the evolving security landscape of the Gulf.

The security dialogue didn’t stop there. Doval also exchanged views with Dr. Musaed Al‑Aiban, Saudi Arabia’s National Security Advisor, on counter‑terrorism coordination, maritime safety and the broader regional situation that continues to shift. Both sides said they were pleased with the progress made under the India‑Saudi strategic partnership and pledged to keep the momentum going.

In a parallel track, Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan used the occasion to bid farewell to senior Saudi officials as his tenure in the Kingdom draws to a close. He met Vice‑Minister Waleed El Khereiji and Deputy Minister Dr. Saud Al‑Sati, underscoring the many milestones achieved during his posting and the shared resolve to deepen ties.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an official statement, thanked Ambassador Khan for his “commendable efforts” in strengthening bilateral relations. The embassy’s X post highlighted these moments, noting that the meetings reflected “remarkable progress” and a mutual commitment to the strategic partnership.

Overall, the Riyadh visit was a clear illustration of how India and Saudi Arabia are moving beyond traditional diplomatic niceties toward more concrete cooperation across energy, security and foreign policy domains. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, both governments appear eager to stay closely aligned, ensuring that their partnership remains resilient and forward‑looking.