PTI
Dubai
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has visited Saudi Arabia and held talks with the country’s top leadership on the progress in bilateral relations, the current regional situation and strengthening “energy security” and protection of “maritime corridors”.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with concerns over disruptions to key shipping routes and energy supplies following the continuing conflict between the US and Iran.
Doval visited Riyadh on Monday and was received at the airport by Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs, and Indian Ambassador Suhel Khan, the Indian Embassy said in a social media post.
During the visit, Doval met Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy; Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Musaed bin Mohammed Al Aiban, National Security Advisor.
“The meetings reviewed the progress in India–Saudi bilateral relations and discussed the current regional situation, as well as other issues of mutual interest,” the Indian Embassy said.
According to the Saudi Foreign Ministry, Doval and Prince Faisal reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
“They also discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts to enhance energy security and protect maritime corridors,” the ministry posted on X.
The meeting was also attended by Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati.
Doval’s visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a “maritime embargo” against Saudi Arabia, saying they would block Saudi vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait in retaliation for what they described as Riyadh’s blockade of ports and airports in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.
Saudi Arabia rejected the claim and said it would take all necessary measures to protect its vessels in accordance with international law.
The development has added to concerns over the security of key global shipping routes at a time when traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has already been disrupted by the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Doval had earlier visited Riyadh in February and again in April.
India and Saudi Arabia share close strategic, energy and economic ties. Around 2.6 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is also among India’s top crude oil suppliers.
Doval’s latest visit comes as India steps up diplomatic engagement with Gulf countries amid continuing regional instability, with New Delhi focusing on safeguarding energy supplies, securing vital sea lanes and ensuring the safety of Indian nationals and seafarers in the region.
