National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia from October 1 to 2 during which he apprised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
The Saudi side conveyed to Doval that it was aware of New Delhi’s long-held position on Kashmir, and emphasised on de-escalation of tension between India and Pakistan, they said. Doval’s visit to Riyadh comes a few days before plenary meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which is scheduled to be held from October 13 to 18.
Saudi Arabia became the first Arab country to join FATF this June.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia from October 1-2 2019, during which he had detailed discussions with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. pic.twitter.com/bXEAgrJWol
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) October 2, 2019
Doval, who arrived on Tuesday also discussed a range of bilateral and regional issues with MBS, including the missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities last month, and ways to deepen anti-terror cooperation.
Saudi Arabia is a key pillar of India’s energy security, being a source of 17% or more of crude oil and 32% of LPG requirements. Notwithstanding the biggest ever attack on its oil facilities on September 14 that knocked out half of its daily oil production, Saudi Arabia assured India that it was committed to meet the country’s energy security needs.
Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al Jubeir and UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Islamabad last month in the midst of escalating tension on Kashmir.
India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ausaf Sayeed tweeted, “NSA Ajit Doval was on a short visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he had detailed discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The two sides reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues and reviewed strong and fraternal bilateral ties between the two countries. Saudi Arabia and FATF in mind, Doval makes quick trip to Saudi, meets MBS India are set to establish a Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by PM Modi & Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.”
NSA Shri Ajit Doval was on a short visit to Saudi Arabia during which he had detailed discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The two sides reviewed bilateral, regional & international issues and reviewed strong and fraternal bilateral ties between two countries. (1/2)
— Ausaf Sayeed (@drausaf) October 2, 2019
Shri Doval also had separate meetings with Dr Musaid Bin M. Al Aiban, Saudi Minister of State and NSA and other senior Saudi officials.
Saudi Arabia and India are set to establish a Strategic Partnership Council co-chaired by PM Modi & Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. (2/2)
— Ausaf Sayeed (@drausaf) October 2, 2019
India also launched a diplomatic outreach to apprise major countries of its decisions on Jammu and Kashmir. Saudi Arabia, known to be a key ally of Pakistan, has been siding with India in its campaign to rid the region of terrorism and pledged to extend all cooperation to effectively deal with the challenge.