India and Saudi Arabia have decided to further strengthen and deepen their counter-terrorism cooperation.

The counter-terrorism issue is emerging as a key area of cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia deported deported Abu Jundal, wanted in the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack about a year back. Riyadh is concerned about the rise of extremism in the region, including in Pakistan, notwithstanding their close ties.

External Affairs Minister Salman
Khurshid who ended his four-day visit to Saudi Arabia said, he discussed the menace of terrorism the world continues
to face and agreed to further strengthen our counter-terrorism
cooperation which is an essential element of the Riyadh Declaration signed in 2010.

He held talks with the top leadership on a number of issues including the controversial 'Nitaqat' law, counter-terrorism measures and energy security.

Saudi Foreign Minister also tried to allay India's fears over the Nitaqat law and said the procedures are being taken in the best interest of Indian workers.

The Nitaqat law and the ongoing drive to identify workers who are overstaying in the Arab Kingdom was one of the main area of focus during the talks held between the two leaders.

Khurshid's visit is the first by an Indian External Affairs Minister in the last five years to Saudi Arabia,
India's biggest supplier of oil.