Helpful: MEA On NDA Ajit Doval's Saudi Arabia Visit Amid West Asia Crisis

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to Saudi Arabia focused on sustaining regional stability, securing energy supplies, and expanding intelligence and economic cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia amid Gulf tensions.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia on 19 April for talks ordered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip aimed to protect India's strategic and economic interests as tensions rose in West Asia after the US-Israel war on Iran. The visit marked stronger diplomatic engagement with a key Gulf partner during heightened regional uncertainty.

During the official stop in Saudi Arabia, Ajit Doval met the Saudi Energy Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Saudi national security adviser. Officials described the discussions as high-level and wide-ranging. They said the talks dealt with instability in the region and also looked at ways to deepen existing India-Saudi ties.

Regional security focus in India Saudi Arabia talks

Officials said the meetings centred on four main pillars of the India-Saudi relationship. One priority was keeping global supply chains steady, despite threats to sea lanes used for trade. Another focus was risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf. The sides also discussed closer intelligence cooperation and stronger economic engagement.

The talks happened as conflict-driven spillovers continued to affect Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. India kept a careful diplomatic line while violence unsettled the wider region. New Delhi repeated its call for restraint from every side involved. India also stressed civilian protection in conflict areas and backed dialogue-led efforts to avoid further escalation.

Diplomatic outreach and India Saudi Arabia strategic interests

"On the directions of the Prime Minister, our outreach to countries in the Gulf continues. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia on the 19th of April. During his visit, he held meetings with the Energy Minister and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as his counterpart. These meetings were helpful to exchange views on regional issues and enhance bilateral ties," Jaiswal said.

The Ministry of External Affairs underlined India’s stakes in the Gulf, noting millions of Indian expatriates live there and India depends on the region for energy supplies. The ministry said Indian officials are in active contact with Israel, Palestine, Iran, and other regional players. The aim is to safeguard India’s strategic and economic interests during this period of shifting geopolitics.

With inputs from ANI