New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): The Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) convened the inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi from April 23 to 24, marking a significant step in the deepening of bilateral defence cooperation.
The discussions revolved around the Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, encompassing a range of collaborative initiatives such as the upcoming Joint Exercise Sada Tanseeq, military training and educational exchanges, the deployment of domain experts, and coordinated efforts in operational logistics.
In a statement posted on X, the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence said, “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 further noted that both armies explored additional avenues for collaboration in critical domains such as operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and advanced technologies. These discussions aim to enhance interoperability and facilitate shared capability development between the two forces.
The staff-level talks follow the momentum generated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Saudi Arabia, during which both nations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence as a core component of their Strategic Partnership. This included the establishment of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.
According to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of their growing defence ties. Milestones such as the first-ever land forces exercise SADA TANSEEQ, two iterations of the naval exercise AL MOHED AL HINDI, as well as high-level visits and exchange programs, were highlighted as key achievements contributing to regional security and stability.
The sixth meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation, held in Riyadh in September 2024, was also acknowledged for initiating staff-level talks across all three services—army, navy, and air force. Both sides committed to expanding collaboration within the defence industry to support mutual interests and technological advancement.
India and Saudi Arabia also celebrated the strengthening of their economic relationship, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, which continue to grow in tandem with their strategic and defence partnerships. (ANI)
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