India and Saudi Arabia held their first-ever Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi from April 23–24, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defence cooperation. The discussions focused on implementing the Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, which includes joint military exercises, training programs, expert exchanges, and collaboration in emerging technologies.
The Indian Ministry of Defence, in a post on X, stated, “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.”
Both armies also explored joint initiatives in operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and niche technologies to enhance interoperability and capability development.
These talks follow a growing trajectory of defence ties between the two nations, solidified further during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Saudi Arabia. The visit led to the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.
According to a joint statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, both countries expressed satisfaction with the strengthening of defence collaboration. Highlights include the first-ever land forces joint drill SADA TANSEEQ, two rounds of naval exercises AL MOHED AL HINDI, and expanded high-level military visits and training exchanges. These initiatives aim to bolster regional security and strategic alignment.
Both sides also acknowledged the importance of expanding defence industry collaboration, while reaffirming their commitment to broader economic cooperation and increasing trade and investment ties.
