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New Delhi Keen to Expand Military Cooperation with Riyadh in Defense Field

Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu (NM), Senior Directing Staff, National Defense College, Ministry of Defense of India. (Indian Embassy in Riyadh)
Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu (NM), Senior Directing Staff, National Defense College, Ministry of Defense of India. (Indian Embassy in Riyadh)
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New Delhi Keen to Expand Military Cooperation with Riyadh in Defense Field

Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu (NM), Senior Directing Staff, National Defense College, Ministry of Defense of India. (Indian Embassy in Riyadh)
Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu (NM), Senior Directing Staff, National Defense College, Ministry of Defense of India. (Indian Embassy in Riyadh)

New Delhi is looking forward to exploring opportunities for cooperation with Riyadh in defense industries and form vital platforms to build capabilities and exchange expertise in the defense field given the recent establishment of the joint ministerial committee aimed at expanding the scope of long-term defense cooperation between the two sides.

In an interview to Asharq Al-Awsat, Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu (NM), Senior Directing Staff, National Defense College, Ministry of Defense of India, said: “The establishment of a new Ministerial Committee on Defense Cooperation under the framework of the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Kingdom in April 2025, marks a significant milestone in our defense relationship.”

“This institutional mechanism is poised to deepen and broaden our engagement across all domains of defense cooperation,” he added.

“Last year on the sidelines of World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabian company Nadrah and Indian defense company Munitions India Limited (MIL) signed a major deal valued at over USD 225 million for supply of artillery ammunition to Saudi Arabia,” he went on to say.

‘Deep mutual trust and strategic alignment’

“As close maritime neighbors, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural convergence of interests in regional peace and stability,” said Sandhu. “This shared vision is underpinned by centuries of cultural and commercial ties, and today, it is increasingly reflected in our growing defense and security collaboration - a testament to the deep mutual trust and strategic alignment between our two nations.”

“In recent years, our defense engagements have witnessed unprecedented momentum. Over the past 18 months, we have achieved several significant milestones that have contributed to deepening institutional ties and practical cooperation,” he stressed.

“In January 2024, India had the honor of hosting the first-ever official visit by the Chief of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, Admiral Fahad Al-Ghufaili. This was followed in February 2024 by the first Indian ministerial defense delegation in over a decade visiting the Kingdom to participate in the 2nd World Defense Show in Riyadh,” he continued.

“The first joint army exercise, Sada Tanseeq-I, was successfully conducted last year, building on the momentum set by the bilateral naval exercises, Al-Mohed Al-Hindi, which took place in 2021 and 2023.”

“Earlier this year, we held the inaugural Army and Navy Staff Talks, further institutionalizing our defense dialogue and enabling more structured engagement between our services. A high-level Saudi delegation also visited the Information Fusion Center- Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram,” said Sandhu.

“Just last week, two Indian Navy warships made a port call in the Kingdom, where they also conducted a PASSEX (Passage Exercise) with Saudi Navy. Around the same time, a senior Saudi delegation was in New Delhi to attend the 7th Meeting of the Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation (JCDC), reaffirming the shared commitment to deepen wide-ranging defense cooperation,” he stated.

Riyadh visit

Sandhu continued: “I have the honor of leading a delegation comprising 15 senior military and civilian officers from India and five friendly foreign countries — Nigeria, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. All members of the delegation are currently undergoing the prestigious National Security and Strategic Studies course at the National Defense College (NDC), New Delhi, India.”

“Established in 1960, the National Defense College is India's premier institution for higher military education. It plays a pivotal role in grooming selected senior officers from the armed forces and the civil services - both Indian and international - for strategic leadership roles,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. “The NDC provides an intellectually stimulating environment for the comprehensive study of national and international security issues, strategy, statecraft, and policy formulation.”

“As part of our curriculum, we are currently undertaking a three-day Strategic Neighborhood Study Tour to Saudi Arabia,” he revealed. “The aim of this familiarization visit is to gain firsthand insights into the Kingdom’s strategic environment and national security architecture.”

Moreover, he said: “The visit also provides a valuable opportunity to engage with key military institutions and defense industry organizations in the Kingdom.”

“Our itinerary includes official engagements in Riyadh and Dammam, where we look forward to meaningful interactions with senior officials and counterparts from the Saudi armed forces, government, and defense sector,” remarked Sandhu. “We have met Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al Sulaiman, Governor the General Authority for Defense Development (GADD), visited the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) as well as the National Defense University, Riyadh.”

“The last visit by an NDC delegation to the Kingdom took place in 2023, and we are pleased to continue this tradition of dialogue and collaboration. Officers from the Saudi armed forces have attended NDC courses in the past,” he added.

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Gulf

How Gulf States View War Outlook, US-Iran Talks

Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
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How Gulf States View War Outlook, US-Iran Talks

Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)
Flags of Gulf Arab states at an event (AFP)

Gulf Cooperation Council countries, under sustained Iranian attack, are closely tracking indirect US-Iran talks that Pakistan said on Thursday it is facilitating by relaying messages between the two sides.

Data monitored by Asharq Al-Awsat showed that by Wednesday evening, about 83% of Iran’s missile and drone attacks since the war entered its fourth week had targeted Gulf Arab states, compared with 17% aimed at Israel.

The tally recorded 4,391 missiles and drones striking Gulf countries, hitting critical infrastructure and civilian sites, versus 930 launched at Israel, which is leading the war.

Shaping the next phase

Gulf states on Thursday began to outline their stance on any negotiations over the conflict’s future.

Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said the bloc must be included “in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis,” to safeguard security and prevent further attacks.

He rejected any frameworks, initiatives, or regional arrangements aimed at reshaping the Middle East after this conflict ends, underscoring Gulf insistence on a role in defining the region’s next phase.

Diplomacy first

Albudaiwi said international law allows states multiple options under the UN Charter, but stressed that the most rational and effective option is the diplomatic and political one.

Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, a political analyst specializing in US affairs, said Gulf states view US-Iran talks with cautious realism.

They do not oppose negotiations, but want outcomes that address what they see as the core threat, not only Iran’s nuclear program, but also its ballistic missiles and regional influence in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq.

A joint statement by five Gulf states and Jordan on Wednesday condemned attacks by Iran-aligned factions in Iraq on regional countries and infrastructure. It urged Baghdad to act immediately to halt such attacks launched from its territory and avoid further escalation.

Trust frays

Al-Ibrahim said Gulf confidence in both sides is limited. That view was reinforced by remarks from the Saudi foreign minister last week that “trust in Iran has been shattered.”

Al-Budaiwi said GCC states were surprised by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran.

Despite that, Tehran still carried out what he described as a “treacherous attack” on GCC states.

He expects Gulf countries to pursue a dual track, backing de-escalation while strengthening defenses and expanding security partnerships. The Gulf, he said, rejects “incomplete deals” that fail to change Iran’s behavior or ensure regional security.

Seat at the table

Gulf security specialist Dhafer Al-Ajmi said GCC participation in any US-Iran talks on regional security is a “sovereign right,” not a request.

“We will not accept having our future shaped in our absence. Our seat at the table is the only guarantee for real and lasting peace,” he said.

Al-Ajmi said Gulf states have borne the brunt of the war’s costs and tensions. Their participation, he said, aims to secure binding guarantees to protect livelihoods and stability.

Any deal that ignores sovereignty and non-interference would be “incomplete and doomed to fail.”

Political analyst Ibrahim Raihan said Gulf states, while showing “wisdom” in handling the crisis, support de-escalation in principle. But he said the root problem remains Iran’s conduct, particularly violations of Gulf sovereignty, despite efforts before the war to avert conflict.

Three demands

Raihan said both Iran and Israel are seeking to widen the war. He outlined three priorities for any negotiations: de-escalation, guarantees to protect shipping routes, and a clear Iranian apology to neighboring Arab states for violations of their sovereignty.

Separately, the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf states as “egregious” and called on Tehran to provide swift compensation to those affected.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected

Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
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Albudaiwi: Regional Arrangements Excluding Gulf States Are Rejected

Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)
Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability (GCC)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi on Thursday called for Gulf states to be included in talks or agreements to resolve the crisis between Iran and the US and Israel.

“We stress the importance of involving GCC countries in any talks or agreements to resolve this crisis, in a way that contributes to strengthening their security and stability,” said Albudaiwi.

He added that the bloc rejected “any arrangements intended to redraw the map of the Middle East after the conflict ends.”

He said the GCC’s first choice was a diplomatic and political solution, describing it as “the wisest and most successful option,” while noting that Gulf states were reviewing all options in line with international law and the UN Charter.

Speaking in Riyadh to Arab and foreign ambassadors, Albudaiwi urged partners to send a unified international message to Iran demanding an immediate and unconditional halt to attacks on GCC states.

He said the Gulf’s goal “has never been to destroy Iran or weaken it, but to reach a normal relationship based on mutual respect, non-interference and non-aggression.”

He rejected framing the situation as part of “Middle East complexities,” calling it “a blatant violation of international law” and “a systematic targeting” of states not involved in any conflict.

Albudaiwi said Gulf states would not accept becoming targets of aggression (GCC)

Albudaiwi said GCC states had long been a pillar of regional and global stability, a reliable energy source, and a responsible economic partner. But he said they would not accept becoming targets of aggression, arenas for regional rivalries, or seeing their citizens killed without accountability.

He said Iranian attacks over 25 days had exceeded 5,000 ballistic missiles and drones targeting GCC states.

Albudaiwi revealed that 85% of Iranian missiles launched in the war were aimed at Gulf states.

He praised Gulf air defenses for limiting the impact of the attacks, but said that this does not diminish the scale of the aggression or absolve Iran of full responsibility.

He said Iran had “crossed every line” by closing the Strait of Hormuz, blocking commercial ships and oil tankers, and imposing transit fees, in violation of international law.

He also cited repeated ship hijackings and attacks carried out through Iran’s regional proxies.

He warned that disruption to shipping would hit not only Gulf states but the global economy, especially as some countries face oil and gas shortages.

Albudaiwi explained that maritime passages are governed by international agreements, and no party can obstruct them or impose conditions.

The impact of closing the Strait of Hormuz may begin with higher energy prices, but its cumulative repercussions on the global economy, energy markets, marine insurance, and civil aviation would be catastrophic.

“What happens in the Strait of Hormuz does not stay in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.

Albudaiwi said Gulf states were surprised by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stressing they had made clear they would not take part in military action or allow their territory to be used against Iran, and had informed Tehran of that.

“Yet this position did not prevent it from attacking GCC states,” he said.

He said GCC states had shown restraint and chosen not to respond to avoid widening the conflict, and in the hope that Iran would come to its senses and stop these attacks.

He said Gulf states produce about 16 million barrels per day of crude oil, or 22% of global output, and account for 27% of global oil exports, or 11.5 million barrels per day.

They also hold 33% of global oil reserves and 21% of natural gas reserves.

These figures make the Gulf an indispensable pillar of the global economy, Albudaiwi affirmed, warning that any disruption would directly affect energy security and global economic stability.

Gulf

Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
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Zelenskyy Arrives in Jeddah

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv (AFP)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine arrived in Jeddah Thursday. At King Abdulaziz International Airport, he was welcomed by Deputy Governor of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and several other officials.

Zelenskiy said he would hold "important meetings" in the Kingdom as part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate ⁠the support and support ‌those who ‌are ready to work ​with us ‌to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote ‌on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, accompanied Zelenskiy on the ‌visit.