Days after signing a ‘Letter of Intent’ for a Strategic Defence Partnership with the United Arab Emirates, India, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026, held a security dialogue with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. Senior officials from both countries conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation and discussed global and regional threats posed by terrorist groups.
The 3rd India-Saudi Arabia Security Working Group was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director General of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation in Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior. According to the MEA, both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation to counter terrorism, including tackling extremism and radicalisation, combating terror financing, preventing misuse of technology for terrorist purposes, and addressing the nexus between organised crime and terrorism.
The officials also condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025 and the terror incident near the Red Fort in November 2025. Discussions were held on enhancing bilateral legal, judicial, and law enforcement cooperation. Indian officials described the dialogue as an important and continuing mechanism under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
The meeting has gained attention as it followed India’s defence partnership announcement with the UAE, amid tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over regional issues. Indian officials clarified that the India-UAE agreement does not imply involvement in regional conflicts and reflects the natural expansion of defence ties.
