Anti-Terror Outreach: India Seeks Saudi Support To Put Pakistan On FATF Grey List
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The Indian delegation emphasised the purpose of their visit - to inform the world that Pakistan is a terror state and to explain the necessity of Operation Sindoor.
In its ongoing effort to expose Pakistan as a terror-supporting nation, the Indian government had succeeded in placing Pakistan on the (Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2019, following a terrorist attack on the Indian soil. In retaliation, India had also conducted the Balakot airstrike on terror camps in Pakistan. At that time, Saudi Arabia, a key member of the OIC, strongly supported India's demand. Five years later, an Indian delegation visiting Saudi Arabia has once again requested the country to support as India seeks to have Pakistan grey-listed by the FATF.
The visiting delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, met with Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Cabinet Member of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, among other meetings.
The Indian delegation emphasised the purpose of their visit – to inform the world that Pakistan is a terror state and to explain the necessity of Operation Sindoor. During discussions with the Saudi External Affairs Minister, the Indian delegation highlighted the ongoing cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, not only in trade and economy but also in counter-terrorism efforts. They pointed out that this cooperation was emphasised in the recent joint statement during the Saudi delegation's visit to India in April this year.
Both countries had agreed to work together to expose terror financing. Therefore, placing Pakistan on the grey list would be a significant step in this direction. The Indian delegation also pointed out that Pakistan is using various means to finance terrorism while its economy is in dire straits. Pakistan is not only smuggling terrorism into Indian borders but also sending drugs and weapons through illegal routes, particularly using drones to infiltrate India, the delegation told Saudi Arabia.
Two crucial points were raised by the Indian delegation members. They reiterated the commitment of the Council of Senior Ulema, Saudi Arabia's highest religious authority, which has issued a significant fatwa condemning terrorism. This fatwa declares that both carrying out terrorist acts and financing them are violations of Islamic law. It defines terrorism as a crime aimed at destabilising security through attacks on individuals or property, whether public or private. Examples include bombings of homes, schools, hospitals, factories, bridges, and airplanes (including hijackings), as well as attacks on oil facilities and pipelines. The Council emphasised that financing terrorism is an act of complicity, as it enables and perpetuates such violence. The fatwa states, 'The Council rules that funding terrorism, initiating or assisting in terrorist acts of any nature or scale, is prohibited under Islamic Sharia and is a punishable offense." This aligns with India's stance, underscoring that no religion would condone such violence against innocent civilians.
One delegation member reminded the Saudi government of their commitment to fighting terrorism when they handed over Abu Jundal, a key mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, to India. They also reminded the Saudi government that this is the same Pakistan that falsely declared terrorist Sajid Mir dead, only to bring him back to life later.
When the Saudi establishment suggested that India should talk with Pakistan, it was clearly stated that India would not engage in dialogue with Pakistan unless they came clean on terrorism. It was noted that every time India brought up terrorism with Pakistan, there was only denial from the other side. Despite providing ample proof to Pakistan on multiple occasions, including on global platforms, Pakistan has not budged. The Indian delegation also refuted Pakistan's claims that India was creating disturbances in Balochistan, labeling these allegations as baseless.
Additionally, the delegation mentioned the IMCTC (International Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition), headquartered in Riyadh with over 43 member countries, including Pakistan. They suggested that Pakistan should be asked to come clean on terrorism.
Baijayant Panda, leading the delegation, shared on X, 'India and Saudi Arabia stand united in our shared commitment to combat terrorism and strengthen bilateral ties. Along with our all-party delegation colleagues, we had a constructive discussion with His Excellency Adel Al-Jubeir, appreciating Saudi Arabia's firm stand against terrorism and reaffirming India's unwavering zero-tolerance and new normal approach in the fight against terror."
Rekha Sharma, BJP Rajya Sabha MP and another delegation member, also shared a post on social media about the visit to Riyadh. 'Reaffirming India's steadfast resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms, and to deepen India-Saudi strategic cooperation. Along with our all-party delegation colleagues, we had an engaging discussion with His Excellency Dr. Mushabab Al-Qahtani, Director General of Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies, reflecting on our shared goals and expanding bilateral ties."
Earlier, the Indian embassy in Riyadh shared a post on social media stating, 'The All-Party delegation led by Jay Panda met H.E. Dr. Mushabab Al-Qahtani, DG, Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies & conveyed India's unwavering commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. The delegation also discussed India-Saudi strategic ties."
The all-party delegation includes BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Phangnon Konyak, Rekha Sharma, Satnam Singh Sandhu, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, and former diplomat Harsh Shringla.
This delegation, which left India on May 24, has already traveled to Bahrain and Kuwait under the diplomatic outreach for Operation Sindoor. After a couple more days in Riyadh, they will head to their final destination, Algeria, before returning to India on June 3.
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India-Saudi Arabia Relations operation Pahalgam attack
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 29, 2025, 07:44 IST
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