National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is on an official visit to Riyadh to discuss bilateral regional issues with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Pakistani Prime Minister stopped in Riyadh to seek prince’s support for Pakistan’s Kashmir cause.
Importance of NSA Doval’s Riyadh visit
Imran Khan recently visited Riyadh to enlist support of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his Kashmir policy. He’s already received positive response from China, Malaysia and Turkey. Also, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has issued a strong statement on Kashmir. In this situation, it becomes mandatory for India to play diplomacy to downplay Pakistan’s efforts.
NSA Doval is the highest emissary of PM Narendra Modi. Also, he’s instrumental in executing the government’s order or de-operationalize Article 370 of constitution in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. During his Riyadh visit, he will emphasize on the prince that Kashmir is an internal matter of India and that removal of Article 370 would bring Kashmir into the mainstream. He will educate the crown prince on how the present scenario is beneficial for Kashmir.
India’s relations with Saudi Arabia
New Delhi has a very cordial relationship with Riyadh and this relationship goes beyond the energy-diaspora. It includes the areas that were rare in earlier times. Issues like security, counter-terrorism and defense have transformed relations between India and two powerful Gulf countries – UAE and Saudi Arabia.
UAE and Saudi Arabia on Kashmir
Till today, these two premier Gulf powers have maintained restrained on speaking over Kashmir issue. Their role is considered neutral in international circles.
Source: https://bit.ly/2onozNc