NEW DELHI: A day after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud made a crucial round of his maiden state visit to Delhi, sources on Thursday said it was “extremely important and successful visit” and for the first time reflected Saudi regime’s agreement that essentially ‘Kashmir is a bilateral issue’ between India and Pakistan.
“The Joint Statement issued at the end of the visit said there is need for creation of conditions for ‘resumption’ of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. This is exactly India has been stating…..that means what — the renunciation of terror (by Pakistan),” a source in the know of things said here.
“That is a very clear position we have had ……there was no ambiguity on the part of Saudis too and their understanding of Kashmir issue, …..that there is also clear recognition that it is essentially a bilateral issue,” sources said.
In effect, many in the Indian ruling dispensation say that “such a recognition in as many words” and that too in a formal statement has come for the first time — giving a clear endorsement of New Delhi’ stand over the years and which was pursued relentlessly with the Saudi leadership by the Narendra Modi government in last few years.
The para No 34 of the Joint Statement has said that – “two sides stressed the importance of regional stability and good neighbouring relations.
His Royal Highness appreciated consistent efforts made by Prime Minister Modi since May 2014 including Prime Minister’s personal initiatives to have friendly relations with Pakistan. In this context, both sides agreed on the need for creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan”.
“This is a position we have always had and thus this was a visit which has very clearly displayed a great deal of Saudi sensitivity to India’s concerns,” the source said.
At the end of the visit of the Crown Prince, Prime Minister Modi had tweeted saying – “India’s ties with Saudi Arabia are historical and time-tested. Saudi Arabia is a valued strategic partner of India in the 21st century”.
(AGENCIES)
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