National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia and held talks with the country's top leadership on bilateral ties, the regional situation and steps to strengthen "energy security" and protect "maritime corridors". The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, with concerns over shipping routes and energy supplies amid the continuing US-Iran conflict.

During the visit to Riyadh on Monday, 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. This was Doval's third visit to the Kingdom this year, after earlier trips in February and April.

Doval 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. "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 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 rising 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 response to 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 line 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.

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, and Saudi Arabia is among India's top crude oil suppliers. Doval's latest visit also comes as India increases diplomatic engagement with Gulf countries, with a focus on energy supplies, vital sea lanes and the safety of Indian nationals and seafarers in the region.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends

Published By:

India Today Web Desk

Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 19:34 IST