Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently visited India, reflecting a potential shift in regional ties. This visit, which didn’t include a stop in Islamabad, indicates Saudi Arabia’s increased interest in strengthening its bond with India, possibly at the expense of its relationship with Pakistan.
- The Crown Prince did not visit Islamabad, indicating a desire to focus on India and not view the relationship through the lens of Indo-Pakistan rivalry.
- Both countries denounced terrorism, calling for an end to support for terrorism, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, and action against terrorists.
- This visit occurred as Saudi Arabia endeavors to diversify its economy beyond oil, seeking to increase trade and investment.
- Both nations discussed the potential for a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to further enhance trade and commerce ties.
- The Crown Prince, also known as MBS, attended the G20 Summit in New Delhi and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden.
- During these meetings, the India-Middle East-Europe corridor project was announced, aiming to increase trade, investment, energy, and digital cooperation, and connectivity between India, West Asia, and Europe.
Improving Ties
- Saudi Arabia is the world’s second-largest oil producer and a pivotal Islamic leader, especially among Sunni Muslims.
- The country is essential to India as a significant energy provider and as a home to over 3 million Indian workers.
- The current de facto ruler, MBS, is broadening Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic relations beyond the US, including strengthening relations with Russia and China.
- China’s influence in Gulf and West Asian countries has increased recently, demonstrated by its successful mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
- Despite closer ties with China, Saudi Arabia wants to keep its options open and is reaching out to India to fortify their strategic partnership.
- Strained relations with their Gulf neighbor, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), might be another reason for Saudi Arabia’s interest in strengthening ties with India.
- Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are competing for supremacy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where India enjoys strong ties with the UAE.
- India is eager to enhance its relations with Saudi Arabia to diversify its connections in the Gulf and the Arab world.
Pakistan Upset
Meanwhile, Pakistan appears to have expressed discontent regarding the progress in Indo-Saudi relations. During the Crown Prince’s visit to India in 2019, he included Pakistan and China in his itinerary. However, on this occasion, he excluded both, potentially due to India’s sensitivity towards the matter.
(This IR note is based on the article titled “Saudi Arabia’s strengthening ties with India may mark shift away from Pakistan” published on Moneycontrol.com)