The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS)’s recent visit to Pakistan and then to India, though technically de-hyphenated due to Indian sensibilities, evoked the expected controversy. Before the visit, Jaish-e- Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan based terrorist group, launched a terrorist attack; a suicide bomber, rammed a vehicle laden with explosives into a convoy carrying India’s paramilitary forces at Pulwama in J&K, killing 40 personnel.
It led to acrimonious debates in the media, especially because MBS chose to visit Pakistan despite condemning the attack. Saudi Arabia has been a reliable benefactor for Pakistan and has immensely helped the fledgeling economy by shoring up substantial investments, owing to religious and strategic considerations.
Most of the leaders of the Gulf countries often balance their diplomatic relations with both India and Pakistan. But this time, on the eve of MBS’s visit, the terrorist attack – and India’s genuine anger and desire to avenge – made the Saudis hesitate. So, first, MBS curtailed the visit by a day and then returned to Riyadh from Islamabad and then visited Delhi.
While optics matter, the Government of India cannot ignore the growing bonhomie between Saudia Arabia and Pakistan. Considering Saudi Arabia’s immense political clout in the region, MBS could have been a useful pressure point for Pakistan. It is likely that the much delayed and well-edited statement by Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Prime Minister, was issued after MBS left Islamabad, perhaps at the latter’s insistence.
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