Latest news with #India-Saudi
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Excellent discussions": All-Party delegation wraps up Saudi visit with focus on terrorism and strategic ties
Riyadh, [Saudi Arabia], May 30 (ANI): The all-party delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda in Saudi Arabia informed that they held discussions with Saudi officials, policy think tanks, the media, and members of the Indian diaspora over two days in Riyadh. 'We have had excellent discussions in Saudi Arabia. This is the third country that our delegation visited, and we had two full days of discussions with senior government officials, with think tanks who play the role of shaping policy in Saudi Arabia, with the media, and the Indian diaspora,' Panda told ANI on Thursday (local time). Panda said discussions were open and direct, especially on terrorism, where both countries share a zero-tolerance stance. He added, 'We have had free and frank discussions about the terrorism challenge we have been facing. Saudi Arabia has a policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, like us. PM Narendra Modi was here when the terrorist attack happened and the joint statement given by the two governments made it very clear that there is no tolerance for any kind of terrorism.' He also noted growing India-Saudi ties in defence, counterterrorism, and trade, calling Saudi Arabia a major regional power. 'There have been a lot of developments between Saudi Arabia and India, including defence cooperation, joint military exercises, agreements on security and counter terrorism, and a very sharp growth in trade and investment. Saudi Arabia is very influential in this part of the world,' Panda stated. The delegation also visited Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional mud-brick architecture. Additionally, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said that the delegation held 7-8 meetings with Saudi officials, reaffirming close ties, especially with 27 lakh Indians living there. 'We held 7-8 meetings. Saudi Arabia is as important for India as is for the world. India has good relations with Saudi Arabia. 27 lakh Indians live and work in Saudi. PM Narendra Modi has good relations with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.' Dubey said. He added, 'PM Narendra Modi was here when the Pahalgam attack took place, and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the attack. For the first time, Saudi Arabia has taken a big stand, and issued a joint statement with India, and stressed on two things -- to condemn cross-border terrorism and stop funding for terrorism. Saudi Arabia has now agreed to Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism. The think tank here also believes that Pakistan is the only country in the world whose military decides and controls the government.' Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who is also part of the delegation, said that the delegation met the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council. 'The delegation met the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, which is the Saudi Parliament. The delegation also had an extensive conversation with the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs. The outcomes are very good. Saudi Arabia is the most prominent country in the region. It has been involved in its region on many important issues,' Shringla said. The delegation led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda also includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Satnam Singh Sandhu MP, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Ambassador Harsh Shringla. The visit comes in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including a foreign tourist. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 targeting terror camps linked to multiple terror groups. (ANI)
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.
Indian Express
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Post-strike diplomacy: Saudi and Iran Ministers to Delhi
As bilateral tension deepens between India and Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Iran have taken the lead in diplomacy with India, while the US has offered to play a role if any help is needed. Riyadh and Tehran are the first to send their ministers after the May 7 strikes by India on terror targets in Pakistan. Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir landed in India on an unannounced visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Thursday with a focus on de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. At the same time, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also landed in New Delhi around midnight last night on a scheduled visit. Meeting Araghchi, Jaishankar said, 'This attack compelled us to respond on May 7 by striking at the cross-border terrorist infrastructure. Our response was targeted and measured,' he said, referring to the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India's military strike on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 'It is not our intention to escalate the situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm response,' he said. Araghchi, who had earlier extended his offer to mediate between the two countries, also met NSA Ajit Doval. The meeting with Saudi Arabia is crucial since Riyadh has influence and leverage over Pakistan. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Jeddah when the Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22. 'A good meeting with @AdelAljubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia this morning,' Jaishankar said in a social media post. 'Shared India's perspectives on firmly countering terrorism,' he said. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recalled that India-Saudi joint statement also had a very strongly worded condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. He said that there is a recognition of the 'barbaric nature' and the 'unprecedented character' of the attack and a 'recognition of India's right to respond to this.' Misri added that there was a 'recognition of the fact that in responding, we have been nothing but responsible, and have done so in a restrained, in a measured manner…I think that counts for something. People have taken that into account, and that is what is explaining the kinds of reactions that we are seeing and we appreciate, the sentiments and the statements that have been made by the vast majority of world leaders.' The Saudi visit is consequential, since he is the first visiting minister from a foreign country after the May 7 strike by India on Pakistan. In the past, Saudi has been in touch with both India and Pakistan. Significantly, unlike in the past when ministers and leaders from the US and the West, would land up in India after tensions with Pakistan would escalate, this time it is the Arab country which has taken the lead. Jaishankar told the visiting Iranian foreign minister that as a neighbour and close partner, it is important that Iran has a good understanding of the situation. Washington, too, is leaning in. US President Donald Trump said he wants India and Pakistan to 'stop' what he described as 'tit for tat' actions, saying if he can do anything to 'help', he will be there. 'Oh it's so terrible. My position is I get along with both. I know both very well and I want to see them work it out. I want to see them stop and hopefully they can stop now. They have gone tit for tat, so hopefully they can stop now. I know both, we get along with both the countries very well. 'Good relationships with both and I want to see it stop. And If I can do anything to help, I will be there,' Trump said in response to a question on the 'war' between India and Pakistan. He was speaking on Wednesday in the Oval Office after the swearing-in ceremony of David Perdue as US Ambassador to China. Indian-American Republican leader Nikki Haley said Thursday that India had 'every right' to retaliate and defend itself after the Pahalgam terror attack, asserting that Pakistan does not get to play the 'victim'. 'Terrorists launched an attack that killed dozens of Indian citizens. India had every right to retaliate and defend itself. Pakistan does not get to play the victim. No country gets a pass for supporting terrorist activity,' Haley said in a post on X. Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, has been a journalist for more than 25 years now. Roy joined The Indian Express in October 2003 and has been reporting on foreign affairs for more than 17 years now. Based in Delhi, he has also led the National government and political bureau at The Indian Express in Delhi — a team of reporters who cover the national government and politics for the newspaper. He has got the Ramnath Goenka Journalism award for Excellence in Journalism '2016. He got this award for his coverage of the Holey Bakery attack in Dhaka and its aftermath. He also got the IIMCAA Award for the Journalist of the Year, 2022, (Jury's special mention) for his coverage of the fall of Kabul in August 2021 — he was one of the few Indian journalists in Kabul and the only mainstream newspaper to have covered the Taliban's capture of power in mid-August, 2021. ... Read More
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
More pressure needed on Pak to dismantle terror apparatus
In its first decisive move following the brutal cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives and left many injured, the Cabinet Committee on Security—chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi—took sweeping actions on Wednesday to isolate Pakistan. Diplomatic ties have been sharply downgraded, with Pakistani military attachés expelled and mission staff capped at 30 by May 1. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty has been frozen, cutting off water-sharing obligations. The Attari Integrated Check Post was shut with immediate effect and all visa exemptions for Pakistani nationals under a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation scheme were revoked. The next day, India halted the issuance of visas to all Pakistani citizens, effectively stopping people-to-people contacts with the neighbour. While these measures reflect the national outrage over the heinous assault on innocent civilians, Delhi must go beyond these initial steps. This is a moment to systematically expose Pakistan's longstanding use of terrorism as a strategic tool against India. These moves alone, though symbolically powerful, may not inflict enough pain on Islamabad to force a policy shift, given the limited economic and social linkages between the two nations. India must now intensify its diplomatic offensive. Pakistan's once-firm allies, including the US, no longer offer the uncritical support they once did. Meanwhile, India has cultivated robust ties with Saudi Arabia—traditionally a strong backer of Pakistan. Notably, during PM Modi's recent state visit to Riyadh, the India-Saudi joint statement contained the strongest language ever used against terrorism in a communiqué by the two nations. India must leverage this alignment to further isolate Pakistan. While it improves the diplomatic equation with Beijing—Islamabad's so-called 'all-weather ally'—Delhi must directly challenge China's resistance to listing and sanctioning Pakistan-based terrorists. If India can persuade China to alter its stance, it would deal a significant blow to the terror networks protected by Pakistan's establishment, strengthening India's broader strategy to bring up and isolate state-sponsored terrorism on global platforms. The unprecedented public anger in Kashmir against the Pahalgam attack shatters Pakistan's narrative on the region. It is now imperative for Delhi to lay bare Islamabad's duplicity on international platforms—particularly among Pakistan's remaining allies. The time has come not only to respond to terrorism, but to dismantle the structures that enable it.
