NSA Ajit Doval holds talks with Saudi foreign minister on energy security and West Asia situation

NSA Ajit Doval met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on July 21, 2026, to discuss energy security and protection of maritime corridors.

The talks reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.

Doval's visit occurs amid heightened West Asia tensions, including Houthi-announced maritime embargo targeting Saudi vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and US-Iran conflict disrupting Strait of Hormuz traffic.

India and Saudi Arabia share close energy and economic ties, with Saudi Arabia being a top crude oil supplier to India and hosting approximately 2.6 million Indian expatriates.

This is Doval's third visit to Saudi Arabia in 2026, having previously visited in February and April.