India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with discussions centred on regional stability and the evolving security situation in West Asia.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions following the fallout of the Israel-Iran conflict. Both sides reviewed security concerns, economic interests and the need for coordination as instability continues to impact the region.
India steps up Gulf outreach
Doval’s visit to the UAE follows his recent trip to Saudi Arabia last week, as part of India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach to Gulf nations under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Doval met senior leadership, including ministers handling energy and foreign affairs, along with key security officials. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and exchanging views on regional developments.
During an inter-ministerial briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that Doval held high-level discussions with the Saudi Energy Minister, Foreign Minister, and his security counterpart. “National Security Advisor Ajit Doval paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia on the 19th of April. During his visit, he held meetings with the Energy Minister and the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as his counterpart. These meetings were helpful to exchange views on regional issues and enhance bilateral ties,” Jaiswal said.
Focus on security, trade and energy
Officials described the engagements as significant in addressing challenges arising from regional instability. Talks with Saudi counterparts covered four “key pillars” essential to the India-Saudi relationship, ensuring stable supply chains amid disruptions to global trade routes, security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Persian Gulf, enhanced intelligence sharing, and deeper economic cooperation.
These discussions are seen as part of a broader effort to safeguard India’s interests as tensions threaten critical maritime routes and energy flows.
India maintains calibrated approach
With spillover effects from regional conflicts impacting countries such as Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, India has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance.
New Delhi has consistently called for restraint among all parties, protection of civilians and resolution through dialogue to prevent further escalation.
The government has underlined the importance of sustained engagement with key regional players, including Israel, Palestine and Iran, to safeguard India’s strategic and economic interests.
With a large Indian diaspora in the Gulf and heavy dependence on the region for energy imports, officials said continued diplomatic outreach remains crucial amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.