India and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Security Ties Through High-Level Counter-Terrorism Dialogue

India and Saudi Arabia conducted a high-level security and counter-terrorism dialogue in Riyadh on January 28, 2026, signaling a renewed commitment to address evolving threats in the Gulf and South Asia regions. The meeting came just days after India signed a Letter of Intent for a Strategic Defence Partnership with the United Arab Emirates, highlighting New Delhi’s growing strategic footprint in the Gulf. This timing underscores India’s careful balancing of partnerships amid regional security concerns and shifting alliances.

The dialogue was convened under the Political, Consular, and Security Cooperation Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council, marking the third meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group. Officials from both countries carried out a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation and exchanged detailed assessments of global and regional threats posed by terrorist organizations.

The meeting took place amid heightened regional and global security concerns and focused on counter-terrorism. (Photo: X/@IndianEmbRiyadh) | India Today

Unified Stance Against Terrorism

During the discussions, India and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their condemnation of terrorism in all forms, including cross-border attacks. They specifically referenced the April 22, 2025 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and the November 10, 2025 incident near Delhi’s Red Fort, emphasizing the need for collective measures to counter emerging threats.

The dialogue also explored multi-dimensional approaches to counter-terrorism, including combatting radicalization, curbing terrorist financing, preventing misuse of technology by extremist groups, and addressing the intersection of transnational organized crime and terrorism. This reflects a shared understanding that modern security challenges require integrated strategies combining intelligence, legal frameworks, and technological safeguards.

Context of India-UAE Defence Partnership

The timing of the dialogue attracted attention due to India’s recent defence engagement with the UAE, formalized through the Letter of Intent for a Strategic Defence Partnership during the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to New Delhi. While the UAE and Saudi Arabia have at times differed in approaches to Yemen and West Asia policy, Indian officials clarified that the India-UAE defence cooperation is a continuation of existing relations and is not aimed at any third country. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the partnership represents a natural evolution of bilateral ties and is not intended to draw India into Gulf conflicts.

Looking Ahead

The MEA confirmed that the next India–Saudi Arabia Security Working Group meeting will be held in India at a mutually convenient date, signaling the intent to maintain sustained and structured security cooperation. Beyond counter-terrorism, India and Saudi Arabia continue to expand their strategic partnership across energy, trade, and defence, ensuring that both nations can collaboratively navigate complex regional dynamics while safeguarding mutual interests.

The MGMM Outlook

India and Saudi Arabia recently reinforced their security and counter-terrorism collaboration through a high-level dialogue in Riyadh, reflecting a shared commitment to address evolving threats in the Gulf and South Asia. The talks, conducted under the Strategic Partnership Council’s Security Working Group, involved detailed exchanges on terrorism, radicalization, and transnational organized crime. Both nations highlighted major incidents, including attacks in Pahalgam and near Delhi’s Red Fort, emphasizing the need for coordinated measures that combine intelligence, legal frameworks, and technological safeguards. This engagement signals India’s intention to strengthen its regional security presence while navigating complex threat landscapes with partners in the Gulf.

The dialogue coincided with India’s recent Strategic Defence Partnership with the UAE, underscoring New Delhi’s careful approach to maintaining balanced relations across the region. Indian officials stressed that the UAE engagement complements existing ties and is not targeted at any third country, even as policy differences occasionally emerge between Gulf states. By deepening cooperation with Saudi Arabia in counter-terrorism and broader strategic areas such as energy, trade, and defence, India is actively enhancing its role as a stabilizing force in the region while safeguarding its geopolitical and economic interests.

(Sources: India Today, News On Air)