India Seeks Saudi Arabia's Help to Persuade Pakistan to Stop Supporting Terrorism

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has disclosed that he has asked Saudi Arabia to persuade Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism against India, marking a significant development in India's growing confidence in its ties with the Arab kingdom.

This move comes against the backdrop of the government's calculation that the growing evidence of collaboration between al-Qaida and Taliban, Pakistan's proxies, may have sensitized the Saudi kingdom to the repercussions of Islamabad's policy of using terrorist groups to promote its strategic goals. Singh has also emphasized that India is keen to normalize its ties with Pakistan, but efforts in that direction have failed due to Pakistan's continued support to terrorists.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked Saudi Arabia to persuade Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism against India.
  • Singh discussed Indo-Pak relations with Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on a one-on-one basis during his visit to Riyadh, explaining the role of terrorism in India and requesting Saudi Arabia to use its good offices to persuade Pakistan to desist from this path.
  • The move is significant as it marks a first public statement by India seeking international help to stop Pakistan's support for terrorism.
  • India is keen to normalize its ties with Pakistan, but efforts have failed due to Pakistan's continued support to terrorists.
  • Singh recognized that there are difficulties in improving relations with neighbors, but emphasized the need to work hard to achieve a peaceful neighborhood.
  • The government calculated that the growing evidence of collaboration between al-Qaida and Taliban may have sensitized Saudi Arabia to the repercussions of Islamabad's policy.

Statistics:

  • India has sought international help for the first time to stop Pakistan's support for terrorism.
  • Pakistan's continued support to terrorists has hindered efforts to normalize Indo-Pak ties.
  • Singh emphasized the need for a peaceful neighborhood, acknowledging that there are difficulties in improving relations with neighbors.

Sources:

  • The Times of India
  • Times of India Online

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