Is Saudi Arabia planning something big on war? Now India has also given encouragement
Is Saudi Arabia planning something big regarding the war? These questions are being raised after its increasing activity recently. Its leaders and officials are visiting different countries. Recently Saudi Army Chief Fayyad Al-Ruwaili visited Iran and now its Foreign Minister has visited India. Meanwhile, representatives of more than 50 Muslim countries had arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to participate in a summit. All this is happening amidst Israel's action in Gaza and its tension with Iran.
Saudi Arabia has been demanding that Israel stop attacking Gaza. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a recent summit in Riyadh that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and Lebanon. Prince Salman said that Palestine is an independent country and should be given the status of a separate country. He also hinted at improving relations with Iran. Salman warned Israel not to attack Iran and also demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from West Bank and Gaza.
Delighted to co-chair along with FM @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia the 2nd Meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation #PSSC under our Strategic Partnership Council in Delhi today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 13, 2024
Held productive discussions on our multi-faceted bilateral… pic.twitter.com/sylAuGi17I
India also encouraged Saudi Arabia regarding Gaza. In a meeting with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, S Jaishankar said that India supports an early ceasefire in Gaza and has consistently stood for the solution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution. Jaishankar said that the situation in West Asia, especially in Gaza, is a matter of deep concern. The Foreign Minister described Saudi Arabia as an important force for stability in the region.
Jaishankar and Al Saud co-chaired the second meeting of the Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation Committee (PSSC) held under the framework of the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). The Ministry of External Affairs said the two sides discussed ways to strengthen the India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, energy, defense, security, culture, and consular affairs.
'We support an early ceasefire'
S Jaishankar said that the situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern. Especially the conflict in Gaza. India's position in this regard has been principled and consistent. He said although we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage taking. We are deeply saddened by the death of innocent civilians. We support an early ceasefire.
Talking about India-Saudi relations, the External Affairs Minister said that both sides have maintained a good momentum of high-level engagement and coordination at multilateral forums. He said, the last few years have seen many firsts in our defence partnership, including the first Army Joint Exercise 2024 and two editions of our joint naval exercise.
The Foreign Minister further said that we have maintained a good pace of coordination on multilateral forums. There are 26 lakh people of the Indian community living in Saudi Arabia and I thank you on this occasion for their welfare.