India, Saudi Arabia Convene 7th Joint Defence Committee Meeting in Delhi

Rapid Summary

• the 7th meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) took place in New Delhi on august 28,2025.
• Co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad (India) and Staff Maj. Gen. saad Mohammed H.Alkathiri (Saudi Arabia).
• Discussions included training cooperation, industrial partnerships, maritime collaboration, and joint military exercises.
• India offered training for Saudi Armed Forces and explored collaborations in cyber security, IT, disaster management, and tactical communications.
• Indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities were showcased by India with proposals for joint production and equipment partnerships with Saudi Arabia.
• Both sides appreciated successful Navy and Army Staff Talks conducted earlier this year and committed to regular deliberations.
• A Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation within the Strategic Partnership Council was created during PM Modi’s visit to Riyadh in April 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The JCDC meeting underscores India’s evolving defence diplomacy with Saudi Arabia as part of broader strategic ties between the two nations. By offering military training, cyber security cooperation, and joint production opportunities for indigenous equipment manufacturing, India seeks a mutually beneficial partnership that aligns well with India’s aspiration to become a global leader in defence technology exports.

Collaborations such as maritime efforts are critical given shared interests in regional security across the Indian Ocean Region where both countries have overlapping strategic stakes. The establishment of institutional mechanisms like the Ministerial Committee reaffirms long-term engagement frameworks ensuring continuity beyond leadership transitions.

Regular dialogues between navy/army staff signal deepening trust alongside functional deliverables which could enhance operational interactivity-a cornerstone for bilateral defence cooperation’s success moving forward.

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