India, Saudi Arabia hold Inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks, with focus on defence cooperation
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The Inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks between the Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) took place in New Delhi from April 23-24, with the discussions centered around strengthening defence ties through the Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, which included plans for Joint Exercise Sada Tanseeq , military training and education, domain expert exchanges, and collaborative efforts in operational logistics.In a post on X, Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence wrote, "Inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) were held in New Delhi from 23-24 April 2025. Discussions focused on the Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, covering Joint Exercise Sada Tanseeq, training, military education, domain expert exchanges and engagements in areas of mutual interest."The post added, "Both sides also explored avenues of collaboration in operational logistics, battlefield management systems and niche technologies to enhance interoperability and capability development."Earlier, following the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia, both sides appreciated the deepening of the defence ties as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership, and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a joint statement said, "They noted with satisfaction the growth of their joint defence cooperation, including numerous 'firsts' like the first ever Land Forces exercise SADA TANSEEQ, two rounds of the Naval Exercises AL MOHED AL HINDI, many high-level visits, and training exchanges, towards ensuring the security and stability of the region. They welcomed the outcomes of the 6th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation held in Riyadh in September 2024, noting the initiation of staff-level talks between all three services. Both sides also agreed to enhance defence industry collaboration."Both sides welcomed the growth of the economic relationship, as well as the strengthening of trade and investment ties between India and Saudi Arabia in recent years.
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