NSA Ajit Doval Visits Saudi Arabia Amid West Asia Crisis, Holds Talks With Saudi Leadership On PM Modi’s Direction

At a time when the West Asia conflict continues to disrupt regional stability and global energy flows, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to Saudi Arabia has emerged as a crucial diplomatic engagement. The NSA’s recent trip was directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expand outreach to countries in the Gulf.

Doval arrived in Riyadh on April 19 for an official visit, holding a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing energy cooperation, and reviewing the rapidly evolving regional security situation. The visit underscores India’s calibrated outreach to key Gulf partners as it navigates the geopolitical and economic fallout of the ongoing crisis.

Who did NSA Ajit Doval meet in Riyadh?

During his visit, Doval engaged with top Saudi leadership across strategic sectors. He met Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Saudi National Security Advisor Musaed Al-Aiban.

According to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, “Hon’ble NSA Shri Ajit Doval paid an official visit to Riyadh on April 19… Later, he had meetings with Energy Minister H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban. During the meetings they discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and other issues of mutual intrests.”

The wide-ranging talks signal a comprehensive engagement spanning energy, diplomacy, and security cooperation.

What key issues were discussed during the meetings?

The discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues, including bilateral cooperation, regional security concerns, and matters of mutual interest.

With tensions in West Asia impacting oil supply chains and maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, energy security is believed to have been a central theme of the talks. Saudi Arabia, as one of India’s key energy partners, plays a critical role in ensuring supply stability during global disruptions.

The meetings also focused on assessing the regional situation, with both sides exchanging views on ongoing conflicts and their wider implications.

How does this fit into India’s broader diplomatic push?

Doval’s Riyadh visit comes amid a series of high-level diplomatic engagements by India across global hotspots. Just days earlier, on April 17, he held extensive talks with Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, those discussions focused on bilateral ties and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with India reiterating its position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy.

Commenting on Doval’s Saudi visit, Jaiswal on Monday (April 20, 2026) said, “On the directions of the Prime Minister, our outreach to countries in the Gulf continues. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia on the 19th of April. These meetings were helpful to exchange views on regional issues and enhance bilateral ties.”

The discussions focused on four “key pillars” essential to the India-Saudi relationship, ensuring stable supply chains despite threats to global trade routes, addressing concerns in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Persian Gulf, enhancing intelligence sharing and coordination and strengthening economic ties.

Taken together, these engagements reflect India’s proactive and multi-aligned diplomatic strategy, simultaneously engaging key players in West Asia, Europe, and beyond to safeguard its strategic and economic interests.