Tensions in subcontinent, minister from Saudi flies in on Monday

While New Delhi says there is no space for a mediator between India and Pakistan and rules out any third party’s involvement in the wake of the Pulwama attack and the February 26 Balakot air strikes, the Saudi minister’s visit is being read by many as an attempt by Pakistan to lean on India.

Saudi Arabia, European Union, Qatari, Adel al-Jubeir, world news, Indian Express news — Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir (AP Photo)

Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir will visit India on Monday, four days after his trip to Islamabad. This will be his second trip to India in three weeks as he had accompanied Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the height of India-Pak tensions after the February 14 Pulwama attack.

While New Delhi says there is no space for a mediator between India and Pakistan and rules out any third party’s involvement in the wake of the Pulwama attack and the February 26 Balakot air strikes, the Saudi minister’s visit is being read by many as an attempt by Pakistan to lean on India.

Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said al-Jubeir will hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during his trip. “Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs will visit India on Monday and will meet the External Affairs Minister. My understanding is he is visiting to discuss some
important follow-ups from the recent visit of Saudi Crown prince. Beyond that, details can be known only after the visit and meeting between two leaders,” MEA’s official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.

The Saudis have been very careful in balancing the relationship — they supported the OIC invitation to India and did not ask the UAE to withdraw it, despite pleas by Pakistan. But in Islamabad, which he visited before coming to India, the Saudi Crown Prince was very effusive in his praise for Pakistan, even declaring himself as the country’s envoy to Saudi Arabia.