India and Saudi Arabia held the sixth edition of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) meeting in Riyadh on September 4, 2024. The meeting marked a significant step in enhancing the longstanding and multifaceted defence collaboration between the two nations.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in various domains, including military operations, training, defence industry, and research and development. Both countries explored new avenues to strengthen their defence partnership, reflecting their shared commitment to mutual security and strategic interests.

The JCDC, established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation, serves as a vital institutional mechanism for promoting defence collaboration. The MoU provides a structured framework for ongoing cooperation and engagement between the Indian and Saudi defence sectors.

The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad from the Ministry of Defence, while the Saudi delegation was co-chaired by Major General Salman Bin Awadh Al-Harbi. The meeting underscored the strong and friendly relations between India and Saudi Arabia, built on centuries of economic and socio-cultural ties.

The successful conclusion of this meeting paves the way for deeper strategic cooperation and reinforces the commitment of both countries to enhancing their defence relations.