India's National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval undertook an official visit to Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. During this visit, he engaged in high-level deliberations with the Saudi leadership, focusing on bilateral relations, energy cooperation, and the prevailing regional security situation. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh shared the details of these significant diplomatic engagements.
Strategic Meetings with Saudi Leadership
According to a post shared by the Indian Embassy on social media, NSA Ajit Doval conducted his official visit to Riyadh on April 19. He held meetings with key members of the Saudi cabinet and security establishment to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The discussions emphasized giving a new direction to cooperation in the energy sector and reviewing regional developments. The embassy noted that the leaders exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest and bilateral significance.
Prior Engagement with Ukraine's Rustem Umerov
Preceding the Riyadh visit, a high-level diplomatic meeting took place on Friday, April 17, between Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and NSA Ajit Doval. This meeting was held against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, where both officials discussed bilateral relations and critical security concerns.
Review of Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Global Impact
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal provided insights into the meeting, stating that the focus was on maintaining continuous contact between New Delhi and Kyiv at security and strategic levels. In a post on the social media platform X, Jaiswal confirmed that Rustem Umerov met the NSA on April 17, 2026.
During the meeting, India reiterated its position that disputes should be resolved through diplomatic channels. Both sides discussed the far-reaching consequences of the prolonged conflict in Eastern Europe on global stability and essential supply chains.