Ajit Doval in Riyadh amid push for safer sea lanes and energy security; regional situation, defence partnership also on agenda

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, on his third visit to Saudi Arabia this year, met Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss strengthening energy security and protecting maritime corridors, amid India's growing concerns over Gulf energy supply lines following the renewed conflict.

Doval, who earlier visited the Kingdom in February and again in April, is also understood to have discussed Pakistan's growing strategic presence in the region, besides counter-terror cooperation and the defence partnership.

India is also walking a tightrope amid lukewarm ties between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and will need to maintain a careful balance in its engagement with Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.


The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in a post on X, said following the meeting on Monday noted, "During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two friendly countries. They also discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts to enhance energy security and protect maritime corridors."

The visit happened amid Houthi rebels declaring an immediate sea embargo against Saudi Arabia at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital area of global shipping. This may further impact energy supplies to India after shipments through the Hormuz Strait are finding it challenging to navigate the choppy situation.

The move by the Houthis follows a series of Saudi blockades and airstrikes targeting Sanaa International Airport. India also uses Bab el-Mandeb Strait and onwards Suez Canal for commerce with Europe.

Earlier in April, Doval held meetings with senior Saudi leadership focusing on bilateral relations, energy cooperation and regional developments.