Latest news with #GulfResearchCentre
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India's strong concerns about cross-border terrorism shared with Saudi Arabia's security experts
An all-party Indian delegation on Thursday visited the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and think tank Gulf Research Centre here to share strong concerns about cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, is visiting Saudi Arabia from May 27 to 29 to convey India's firm stance against terrorism and its continued efforts to combat this global menace in all its forms and manifestations. At the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, the Indian MPs "shared strong concerns with cross-border terrorism and the position of zero tolerance against terrorism," said a post on X by the Indian Embassy here. Panda shared a post on X that the Indian team had a "meaningful exchange with university President Dr Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, discussing India's firm zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism and shared opportunities in security education and research." A member of the delegation, Satnam Singh Sandhu, described the institution as a "brilliant platform to exchange the best practices to stop terrorism and benefit mutually" in a post on X. Live Events The delegation also had a "frank & productive exchange of views" with the Gulf Research Centre Chairman Dr Abdulaziz Sager. "The Indian delegation shared India's resolve & approach towards terrorism with zero tolerance policy & the new normal in light of #OpSindoor. "The discussions also focused on strong India-Saudi Arabia partnership across all domains, including security & defence cooperation," the Embassy said in another post on X. "India and Saudi Arabia continue to deepen ties across security, defence & global affairs, united by a shared resolve to combat terrorism. Our all-party delegation had a candid & insightful exchange at Gulf Research Centre with Chairman Dr Abdulaziz Sager," Panda said in another post on X. Earlier on Wednesday, the delegation members met Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir; visited the Shura Council, a governmental body with regulatory authority, and met Deputy Speaker Mishaal Al-Sulami and Maj Gen Abdulrahman Alharbi, Chair of the India-Saudi Friendship Committee, and also met Mushabab Al-Qahtani, DG, Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies. The delegation members also offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on Embassy premises, honouring his timeless message of peace, non-violence and tolerance. "In all the meetings, the Indian delegation underlined that India has received unwavering support from Saudi Arabia on issues related to counterterrorism . Both countries will continue to work together in their efforts towards de-radicalisation and curbing extremism," a statement from the Indian Embassy said on Wednesday. The Embassy hosted a dinner interaction with the participation of distinguished personalities from Saudi civil society, which gave an opportunity for further discussions countering terrorism as well as broader topics related to India-Saudi bilateral partnership, the statement added. Besides Panda and Sandhu, other members of the delegation are AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, former chairperson of the National Commission for Women and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak apart from former Ambassador Harsh Shringla. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was also a part of the delegation, was admitted to a hospital after the Bahrain leg of the multi-country visit. The delegation had visited Bahrain and Kuwait before arriving in Riyadh on Tuesday. The delegation is one of the seven multi-party delegations India has tasked to visit 33 global capitals to reach out to the international community to emphasize Pakistan's links to terrorism. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack, with India carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of May 7. Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. The Indian side responded strongly to the Pakistani actions. The on-ground hostilities ended with an understanding of stopping the military actions following talks between the directors general of military operations of both sides on May 10.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
'India and Saudi Arabia united by shared resolve to combat terrorism'
Riyadh: The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda on Thursday shared India's firm resolve towards terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach and the 'new normal policy' in light of Operation Sindoor during a visit to Gulf Research Centre, a prominent think-tank in Saudi Arabia recognised for its expertise in global affairs. The delegation, welcomed by Chairman Abdulaziz Sager, held a frank and productive exchange of views. The discussions also focused on a strong India-Saudi Arabia partnership across all domains, including security and defense cooperation. "India-Saudi Arabia continue to deepen ties across security, defence and global affairs, united by a shared resolve to combat terrorism. Our all-party delegation had a candid and insightful exchange at Gulf Research Centre with Chairman Abdulaziz Sager sharing India's zero-tolerance and new normal approach post-Operation Sindoor and exploring ways to strengthen the India-Saudi partnership," Panda posted on X. Later, the delegation held interactions with President Abdulmajeed Albanyan of Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in Riyadh, sharing strong concerns about cross-border terrorism and India's position of zero tolerance against terrorism. "Strengthening security ties and advancing counter-terrorism cooperation, the India-Saudi partnership continues to deepen. Along with our all-party delegation colleagues, we visited Naif Arab University for Security Sciences and had a meaningful exchange with President Abdulmajeed bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, discussing India's firm zero-tolerance approach to cross-border terrorism and shared opportunities in security education and research," Panda posted on X. Earlier, the delegates also interacted with the Saudi Civil Society, including distinguished guests from the government, think-tanks, business, and media. They shared India's resolute stance on terrorism, Operation Sindoor, and India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership. The delegation led by Panda also includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Satnam Singh Sandhu highlighted that India and Saudi Arabia stand united in enhancing the bilateral ties and promoting a secure and peaceful environment in the region. "Led by Baijayant Jay Panda, our All-Party Delegation representing India in Saudi Arabia engaged with key voices from the Saudi government, civil society, think-tanks, business and media. We conveyed India's firm stance against terrorism and shared insights on Operation Sindoor, a proud symbol of India's global humanitarian leadership. India and Saudi Arabia stand united in strengthening bilateral relations and ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the region," Sandhu posted on X. The delegation on Wednesday had an extensive discussion with Adel Bin Ahmed al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi highlighting what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his speech earlier this month – that "this is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism". The delegates reiterated India's policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and appreciated the support received from political leadership in Saudi Arabia in condemning the April 22 Pahlagam terrorist attack. They underlined the importance of coordinated action against terrorism, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, denying safe havens, financing and political justification to terrorist entities, highlighting the "new normal" in India's approach to terrorism. "The delegation held a meeting with Mishaal Al-Sulami, Deputy Speaker of Shura Council. The Indian delegation expressed deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam. It conveyed that India stands firm and united in its resolve to fight terrorism. Acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances or reasons. Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shura Council, Abdulrahman Snitan A. Alharbi and senior Members of the Committee hosted the delegation for lunch," the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in a statement. "The delegation also met Mushabab bin Ayed Al-Qahtani, Director General of Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and held discussions which focused on India's approach to countering terror. In all the meetings, the Indian delegation underlined that India has received unwavering support from Saudi Arabia on issues related to counter-terrorism. Both countries will continue to work together in their efforts towards de-radicalization and curbing extremism," the statement added Furthermore, the Indian Embassy hosted a dinner interaction with the participation of distinguished personalities from Saudi civil society, which gave an opportunity for further discussions on countering terrorism as well as broader topics related to India-Saudi bilateral partnership.
The National
12-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Yemen government 'planning to retake key Hodeidah port'
A military offensive by Yemen's internationally recognised government to take back control of a key port from the Houthi rebels could begin soon, experts believe. But there has been little assurance that the operation will receive the US backing needed be successful. The Iran-backed Houthis took control of Hodeidah port in 2021. It is a key entry point for humanitarian aid into Yemen and contains oil storage facilities. After the US launched renewed air strikes against the Houthis, armed groups supporting the internationally recognised government have been preparing to march into Hodeidah, experts said. The attacks on the port city have reportedly killed key Houthi figures and weakened the group. About 80,000 soldiers are being mobilised, said Abdulaziz Al Sager, founder of the Gulf Research Centre. The operations are not just planned for Hodeidah port, but the surrounding region known as the 'fifth district' in western Yemen, and the Taiz province to the south, said Farea Al Muslimi, a fellow at the Chatham House think tank. The capture of Hodeidah would represent the 'groundwork' for a takeover of the capital Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control since 2014. 'It has always been the case that if Hodeidah goes down then Sanaa is next," Mr Al Muslimi said. "We are at the stage of counting down the end of the Houthis.' The group seized control of northern Yemen in 2014, sparking a civil war. A Saudi-led coalition intervened at the request of the internationally recognised government. Since 2023, the Houthis have launched attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, actions the group claims are in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The attacks on international shipping prompted the US strikes. But a push to recapture Hodeidah comes with challenges. US military support is not guaranteed, owing to Washington's 'inconsistent' foreign policy on Yemen, Mr Al Muslimi said. 'There is a lot of illusion from the Yemeni government that they will be armed by the US or they will be given air cover,' he added. The US has been adamant that it will not get involved in the Yemeni conflict. A Saudi-brokered peace process, which was handed over to the UN last year, has been stalled by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Gen Michael Kurilla of US Central Command met Lt Gen Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, Chief of Staff of Yemen's armed forces this week, and they discussed "ongoing efforts against the Iran-backed Houthis, including the current operation designed to restore freedom of navigation", Centcom said in a statement. Rather, US decisions on Yemen would most likely be guided by Washington's 'domestic political calculations' and growing isolationism, Mr Al Muslimi said. A military operation in Hodeidah would be 'politically' difficult because it would breach the 2018 UN-sponsored Stockholm Agreement, he added. This required all parties to the conflict to withdraw from the port city, which the Houthis never did. Yet there were concerns the internationally recognised government would lack legitimacy in Sanaa and had a limited capacity to govern. Its track record in southern Yemen was plagued by inefficient governance, electricity shortages and rising food prices. 'My honest concern is the next day. If they take Sanaa, what can they deliver to the people that will make them feel that now things are back to normal, there is safety and security, the law is there,' Mr Al Sager said. These risks would be amplified by the growing isolation of the US and UK, two of the world's biggest donors to Yemen but that recently decreased foreign aid programmes. 'The US is not in the government capacity-building space any more,' said Sanam Vakil, head of the Mena programme at Chatham House. She urged the US and its allies to turn their attention to Yemen's peace process. 'With some updates, it's still possible in the longer term. Yemen has the better chance of a political process, more than Libya, more than Syria." A Houthi agreement with Moscow and Beijing to allow their ships to sail through the Bab Al Mandeb strait without being attacked adds further obstacles to a potential offensive on Hodeidah. It is not known what the terms of the agreement are, but both Russia and China hold veto power at the UN Security Council and there have been Iran-brokered talks for Russia to send advanced anti-ship missiles to the Houthis. There has also been evidence of Houthis recruiting fighters to join the war in Ukraine. 'It is the elephant in the room, a real dark hole,' Mr Al Muslimi said, answering a question from The National, about the potential long-term affects of the Houthi agreement. With Russia's hold in Syria weakened by the toppling of former president Bashar Al Assad, Moscow seemed set to shift resources to Yemen. Russian regional experts previously stationed in Damascus were now in Sanaa, Mr Al Muslimi said. 'Losing Syria will only make the Russian presence in Yemen stronger,' he added. Russia's recent attempts to open an embassy in Aden – the seat of the internationally recognised government – were mired by a request for free movement, which was rejected by the Yemeni side, Mr Al Sager said. 'The government told them you cannot have free movement, because they know there is some sort of linkage, relations and supply happening,' he said. Likewise, US President Donald Trump's trade war with China was likely to make Beijing 'more generous' in Yemen, Mr Al Muslimi added.
The National
11-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Yemen government plan to retake Hodeidah faces challenges amid doubts over US support
A military offensive by Yemen's internationally recognised government to take back control of a key port from the Houthi rebels could begin soon, experts believe. But there has been little assurance that the operation will receive the US backing needed be successful. The Iran-backed Houthis took control of Hodeidah port in 2021. It is a key entry point for humanitarian aid into Yemen and contains oil storage facilities. After the US launched renewed air strikes against the Houthis, armed groups supporting the internationally recognised government have been preparing to march into Hodeidah, experts said. The attacks on the port city have reportedly killed key Houthi figures and weakened the group. About 80,000 soldiers are being mobilised, said Abdulaziz Al Sager, founder of the Gulf Research Centre. The operations are not just planned for Hodeidah port, but the surrounding region known as the 'fifth district' in western Yemen, and the Taiz province to the south, said Farea Al Muslimi, a fellow at the Chatham House think tank. The capture of Hodeidah would represent the 'groundwork' for a takeover of the capital Sanaa, which has been under Houthi control since 2014. 'It has always been the case that if Hodeidah goes down then Sanaa is next," Mr Al Muslimi said. "We are at the stage of counting down the end of the Houthis.' The group seized control of northern Yemen in 2014, sparking a civil war. A Saudi-led coalition intervened at the request of the internationally recognised government. Since 2023, the Houthis have launched attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, actions the group claims are in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The attacks on international shipping prompted the US strikes. But a push to recapture Hodeidah comes with challenges. US military support is not guaranteed, owing to Washington's 'inconsistent' foreign policy on Yemen, Mr Al Muslimi said. 'There is a lot of illusion from the Yemeni government that they will be armed by the US or they will be given air cover,' he added. The US has been adamant that it will not get involved in the Yemeni conflict. A Saudi-brokered peace process, which was handed over to the UN last year, has been stalled by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Gen Michael Kurilla of US Central Command met Lt Gen Sagheer Hamoud Ahmed Aziz, Chief of Staff of Yemen's armed forces this week, and they discussed "ongoing efforts against the Iran-backed Houthis, including the current operation designed to restore freedom of navigation", Centcom said in a statement. Rather, US decisions on Yemen would most likely be guided by Washington's 'domestic political calculations' and growing isolationism, Mr Al Muslimi said. A military operation in Hodeidah would be 'politically' difficult because it would breach the 2018 UN-sponsored Stockholm Agreement, he added. This required all parties to the conflict to withdraw from the port city, which the Houthis never did. Yet there were concerns the internationally recognised government would lack legitimacy in Sanaa and had a limited capacity to govern. Its track record in southern Yemen was plagued by inefficient governance, electricity shortages and rising food prices. 'My honest concern is the next day. If they take Sanaa, what can they deliver to the people that will make them feel that now things are back to normal, there is safety and security, the law is there,' Mr Al Sager said. These risks would be amplified by the growing isolation of the US and UK, two of the world's biggest donors to Yemen but that recently decreased foreign aid programmes. 'The US is not in the government capacity-building space any more,' said Sanam Vakil, head of the Mena programme at Chatham House. She urged the US and its allies to turn their attention to Yemen's peace process. 'With some updates, it's still possible in the longer term. Yemen has the better chance of a political process, more than Libya, more than Syria." A Houthi agreement with Moscow and Beijing to allow their ships to sail through the Bab Al Mandeb strait without being attacked adds further obstacles to a potential offensive on Hodeidah. It is not known what the terms of the agreement are, but both Russia and China hold veto power at the UN Security Council and there have been Iran-brokered talks for Russia to send advanced anti-ship missiles to the Houthis. There has also been evidence of Houthis recruiting fighters to join the war in Ukraine. 'It is the elephant in the room, a real dark hole,' Mr Al Muslimi said, answering a question from The National, about the potential long-term affects of the Houthi agreement. With Russia's hold in Syria weakened by the toppling of former president Bashar Al Assad, Moscow seemed set to shift resources to Yemen. Russian regional experts previously stationed in Damascus were now in Sanaa, Mr Al Muslimi said. 'Losing Syria will only make the Russian presence in Yemen stronger,' he added. Russia's recent attempts to open an embassy in Aden – the seat of the internationally recognised government – were mired by a request for free movement, which was rejected by the Yemeni side, Mr Al Sager said. 'The government told them you cannot have free movement, because they know there is some sort of linkage, relations and supply happening,' he said. Likewise, US President Donald Trump's trade war with China was likely to make Beijing 'more generous' in Yemen, Mr Al Muslimi added.
