Doval, Saudi FM Meet in Riyadh to Bolster Strategic Ties Amid West Asia Tensions
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India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held crucial talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh yesterday, joined by Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Ambassador Dr. Saud Al-Sati. The high-stakes meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations, alongside discussions on urgent regional developments, enhancing energy security, and protecting vital maritime corridors [26, 27]. This marks Doval's third visit to the Kingdom this year, underscoring the growing urgency of bilateral engagements [27]. The discussions come amidst heightened tensions in West Asia, with the ongoing US-Iran conflict and Houthi rebels' threats to disrupt shipping routes, particularly impacting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, creating significant concerns for global trade and energy supplies [27, 28]. India and Saudi Arabia are strategically expanding their cooperation through mechanisms like the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), which was reorganised in April 2025 to include defence and security committees, reflecting a deeper commitment to regional stability [5, 22]. Both nations are also key players in the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a G20-backed initiative aimed at reshaping global trade, though it faces headwinds from the region's instability [8, 16, 18]. Looking ahead, the continued high-level dialogue signals India's proactive 'Think West' policy and Saudi Arabia's commitment to its Vision 2030, which prioritises economic diversification and regional stability [3, 5, 9]. Future engagements will likely focus on accelerating stalled infrastructure projects like IMEC, further integrating defence and security cooperation, and coordinating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional conflicts. Observers will be keenly watching how these intensified strategic discussions translate into tangible actions to safeguard critical economic interests and maintain peace in a volatile part of the world.