India and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Regional Instability

NEW DELHI :National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Saudi Arabia and held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, with the two sides focusing on strengthening bilateral strategic ties, enhancing energy security and safeguarding critical maritime corridors amid escalating tensions across West Asia. Doval met Prince Faisal in Riyadh on Monday to review the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia and discuss the evolving regional security situation. “They also discussed the latest regional developments and the efforts to enhance energy security and protect maritime corridors,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said. The meeting was also attended by Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati. The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened instability in the region following the continuing US-Iran conflict, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil trade. Fresh concerns have also emerged after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a “maritime embargo” against Saudi Arabia, threatening to block Saudi vessels in the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.