Ajit Doval visits UAE to discuss energy security, regional stability

NSA Ajit Doval visited UAE over the weekend close on the heels of his Saudi Arabia visit to discuss pressing issues of energy security and regional stability in the backdrop of the war and the ongoing ceasefire.

Doval’s Abu Dhabi visit, centered on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates, with particular emphasis on energy security and evolving geopolitical conditions, according to officials.

Energy concerns and stability in the region were key themes during Doval engagement with the UAE President. Energy supplies particularly LNPG supplies from the Gulf to India and the rest of Asia have been hit due to the Hormuz Strait crisis.


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The meeting with Doval was attended by senior Emirati officials, including Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security. This engagement marks the second high-level interaction between the two countries within a month. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was in UAE during his two-nation trip.

UAE has been the key pillar of India’s outreach to the Gulf with the relationship now covering almost all sectors from security to energy to people to people ties to regional cooperation. UAE has been forthcoming in extending support against Pakistan-backed cross-border terror.

During his Riyadh visit last week Doval’s discussions had covered a broad spectrum of issues, including bilateral cooperation, regional security concerns, and other matters of mutual interest. During that visit, Doval met several prominent Saudi leaders, including Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and National Security Advisor Musaed Al-Aiban. The visit to Riyadh was critical amid growing security partnership between Pakistan and the Kingdom.

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Doval has been instrumental over the last decade to elevate ties with the Gulf region. Both UAE and Saudi Arabia along with Iran are members of the BRICS and India as the current chair of BRICS is trying hard to arrive at a consensus on the West Asian situation.