In a notable development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan issued a joint statement underscoring the significance of dialogue between Pakistan and India in resolving their outstanding issues, notably the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
This joint statement, signed following an official meeting between Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, held at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca on April 7, highlighted the imperative of bilateral dialogue to ensure regional peace and stability.
The statement notably seemed to echo India's stance on the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the principle of bilateral resolution without external mediation or intervention. India has long maintained that Kashmir is a matter solely between itself and Pakistan, rejecting third-party mediation.
Despite longstanding friendly relations between both India and Pakistan with Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, India's ties with Riyadh have notably strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
While Saudi Arabia has expressed concerns over India's decision to abrogate Article 370 in August 2019, it has refrained from explicitly condemning the action, characterizing it as an internal matter for New Delhi.
In the past, Pakistan has sought US intervention to initiate talks with India on Kashmir, particularly after former US President Donald Trump offered mediation on the issue. However, India has consistently reiterated its position that any discussions on Kashmir will be conducted bilaterally with Pakistan, without the involvement of third parties.
India has steadfastly maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has expressed its desire for normal neighborly relations with Pakistan, contingent upon an environment free from terrorism, hostility, and violence.
