What Challenges Are India and Saudi Arabia Addressing in Their Fight Against Terrorism?
Synopsis
In a significant meeting in Riyadh, India and Saudi Arabia strengthen their security partnership to effectively tackle terrorism and related challenges. This collaboration aims to enhance legal and judicial cooperation as both nations express their commitment to combat terrorism in all forms.
Key Takeaways
Strengthened collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia against terrorism.
Focus on legal and judicial cooperation .
Commitment to tackle extremism and radicalization .
Next meeting scheduled to take place in India.
Exchange of congratulatory messages between leaders on Republic Day.
Riyadh/New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) India and Saudi Arabia convened the third session of the Security Working Group within the Political, Consular, and Security Cooperation Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council in Riyadh recently, emphasizing the progress in their security collaboration.
Both countries exchanged perspectives on bolstering cooperation to address both current and future challenges in countering terrorism. This includes tackling extremism and radicalization, combating the financing of terrorism, preventing the misuse of technology for terrorist activities, and addressing the connections between transnational organized crime and terrorism.
Officials from India and Saudi Arabia engaged in discussions to further enhance legal, judicial, and law enforcement cooperation, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Both nations condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and the tragic attack that occurred on innocent civilians on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the terror incident on November 10, 2025, near the Red Fort in New Delhi, according to the MEA's statement.
The meeting was co-chaired by Vinod Bahade, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism) at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Ahmed Al-Eissa, Director General of Legal Affairs and International Cooperation from Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior. The next Security Working Group meeting is scheduled to take place in India at a mutually agreed time.
Earlier this week, top Saudi leadership, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, extended their congratulations to President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of Republic Day.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, sent a congratulatory message to President Murmu, wishing her continued health and happiness, and expressing hopes for further progress and prosperity for the government and people of the friendly Republic of India. He highlighted the excellent relations between the two nations and their collective desire to advance cooperation across various sectors.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent his best wishes to President Murmu, expressing hopes for her well-being and the continued advancement of India.
In April of last year, India and Saudi Arabia expanded their Strategic Partnership Council by introducing two new ministerial committees focused on defense cooperation and tourism and culture during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's State Visit to Saudi Arabia, which marked his third trip to the nation at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, this visit was abbreviated due to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, expressing satisfaction over the enhanced collaboration in multiple areas, including defense, energy, trade, investment, technology, and education.
Point of View
It is paramount to recognize the ongoing commitment of both India and Saudi Arabia to counter-terrorism. Their collaborative efforts signify a robust alliance aimed at addressing the complex challenges posed by terrorism and organized crime, reinforcing the importance of united action to ensure regional security.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of the India-Saudi Arabia meeting?
The main focus was to enhance cooperation in countering terrorism, addressing extremism, and improving legal and judicial collaboration.
When did the meeting take place?
The meeting took place on January 28, 2025.
Who co-chaired the meeting?
Vinod Bahade from India and Ahmed Al-Eissa from Saudi Arabia co-chaired the meeting.
What were the outcomes of the meeting?
Outcomes included a commitment to deepen security collaboration and plans for future meetings to enhance bilateral cooperation.
How do India and Saudi Arabia view terrorism?
Both countries condemned terrorism in all its forms and expressed a strong commitment to combat it.
