RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and India recently discussed new avenues to strengthen defense cooperation at the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) held in Riyadh.
Indian ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan told Arab News that Saudi Arabia and India are seeking to enhance defense cooperation.
Khan said the sixth JCDC meeting was co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary (Armed Forces) Amitabh Prasad and Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defense for Strategic Affairs Maj. Gen. Salman bin Awadh Al-Harbi.
“During the meeting they reviewed the progress made in defense engagements, including joint exercises, expert exchanges, industry cooperation.
“And the two sides agreed to take defense cooperation between the two countries (to a) strategic level,” added the ambassador.
The talks in Riyadh signal a continued commitment from both countries to deepen their military ties.
Notable agreements in the past include the signing of the landmark Riyadh Declaration during the visit of then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Riyadh in 2010 which strengthened relations in trade, defense and politics.
Defense ties were further bolstered following the visit of then-Defense Minister A.K. Antony to Riyadh in February 2012, the first such trip by an official in this position.
The JCDC held meetings in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022 — during which discussions were held on training and capacity building, intelligence exchange, maritime security, and the promotion of defense industries.
