NSA Doval Holds Key Talks In Riyadh On Energy, Security Amid Iran Tensions

Riyadh, Apr 20: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held high-level meetings in Riyadh to strengthen security cooperation and ensure energy stability as regional tensions linked to Iran continue to impact West Asia.

Doval, who arrived in the Saudi capital on Sunday, met Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Adviser Musaed bin Mohammed Al Aiban to review bilateral ties and regional developments.

Discussions with the Saudi energy minister focused on enhancing cooperation in the energy sector and ensuring stability of global supplies, with both sides emphasising reliable oil flows amid ongoing uncertainty.

The visit assumes significance against the backdrop of tensions arising from the 2026 Iran conflict, which has raised concerns over disruptions to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. India, one of the largest crude importers, depends heavily on Saudi supplies.

Security cooperation also figured prominently, with both sides reviewing counterterrorism coordination and intelligence sharing, besides exchanging views on Gaza and broader de-escalation efforts in West Asia.

Doval was received at King Khalid International Airport by India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al Sati. (Agencies)