New Delhi: The 7th meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) was held on August 28, 2025, in the capital. The session was co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad from India and Staff Maj Gen Saad Mohammed H. Alkathiri representing Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defence cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the progress on major decisions taken during the previous JCDC meeting. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in training, industrial partnerships, maritime security, and joint military exercises.
Expanding Training and Strategic Cooperation
India offered to train Saudi armed forces personnel, highlighting opportunities in cyber security, IT, disaster management, and tactical communication. Both delegations reviewed training requirements and agreed to deepen knowledge-sharing in emerging defence domains.
Boosting Defence Industry Partnerships
India showcased its growing defence manufacturing capabilities, presenting Made-in-India advanced equipment. Opportunities for joint manufacturing and co-development of defence technologies with Saudi Arabia were also discussed. The co-chairs expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of Army and Navy Staff Talks earlier this year.
Deepening Strategic Partnership
India and Saudi Arabia have steadily expanded their defence ties in recent years. This cooperation was further institutionalised with the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025.
