India has stepped up high-level diplomatic outreach in the Gulf, with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visiting Riyadh amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and growing concerns over maritime security.On the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said engagement with key regional partners had been intensified.According to the MEA, during his April 19 visit, Doval held talks with Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban, focusing on bilateral ties and the evolving regional situation.Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India was “deeply disturbed” by the firing at Indian-flagged vessels and had taken up the matter with Iranian authorities. He underscored the need to uphold maritime security and ensure unimpeded passage through international waterways.“We have very, very clearly maintained that international waterways must remain free and open for all categories of shipping, including energy trade and commercial traffic,” Misri said, pointing to the wider economic implications. He warned that the impact of the ongoing West Asia tensions was already being felt beyond the immediate conflict zone, particularly in energy availability, even as India closely monitors the safety of its diaspora–nearly 10 million citizens living and working across the Gulf.India has also pressed for de-escalation, with Misri reiterating the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure.Doval’s visit is being seen as part of a calibrated strategy to reinforce regional partnerships while navigating the fallout of the crisis, with India positioning itself to secure its strategic and economic interests amid a rapidly evolving security landscape.