Indian Prime Minister Mr Manmohan Singh's visit to Saudi Arabia if of immense importance. Its the first visit of any top Indian leader to the country since 1982 and is aimed at building economic ties and enlisting the kingdom's help in improving regional security.
Keeping in view the Saudi Arabian influence and strong bondage with Pakistan, Indians are now making an effort to seek Saudi support in persuading Pakistan to act against militants organizations based there. Although the Indians are ruling out Saudi Arabia's mediation in decreasing tensions with Pakistan, but this visit is certainly aimed at the same since both countries are now holding talks to normalize bilateral relations. The remarks of junior foreign minster Shashi Taroor carries the same impression of mediation which have been clarified but gave away the real picture of the visit in general.
PM Manmohan Singh support to an independent Palestinian State linking it to the stability of the middle east region was also a shift from the past Indian policies on the subject which is likely to affect its relations with Israel.
Besides this regional stability is directly linked with stability in Afghanistan but the stand off between Iran and the West due to the former's nuclear program has direct bearing on the region. Any misadventure by either party will prolong the presence of US in the region for an indefinite period than the planned withdrawal of 2011. Whatever is the outcome of this visit on regional security, it is more pertinent to analyze, the mutual understanding and working together against terrorism and extremism.
Indian also wants to strengthen energy ties with Saudi Arabia and the offer of Indian companies working in oil and gas projects in Saudi Arabia is likely to be welcomed by the host country to a great extent.
With the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2011 in view, the visit is part of an effort to enhance Indian influence in Afghanistan to ensure pressure on Pakistan from West in future.
Whatever stance the Indian take on this visit but its a clear indication that regional stability is not possible without friendly relations between Pakistan and India. For the first time Indians are seeking Saudi Arabia's help to sort out differences between the two countries and use its influence to persuade Pakistan to reduce tension in the region.
Keeping in view the Saudi Arabian influence and strong bondage with Pakistan, Indians are now making an effort to seek Saudi support in persuading Pakistan to act against militants organizations based there. Although the Indians are ruling out Saudi Arabia's mediation in decreasing tensions with Pakistan, but this visit is certainly aimed at the same since both countries are now holding talks to normalize bilateral relations. The remarks of junior foreign minster Shashi Taroor carries the same impression of mediation which have been clarified but gave away the real picture of the visit in general.
PM Manmohan Singh support to an independent Palestinian State linking it to the stability of the middle east region was also a shift from the past Indian policies on the subject which is likely to affect its relations with Israel.
Besides this regional stability is directly linked with stability in Afghanistan but the stand off between Iran and the West due to the former's nuclear program has direct bearing on the region. Any misadventure by either party will prolong the presence of US in the region for an indefinite period than the planned withdrawal of 2011. Whatever is the outcome of this visit on regional security, it is more pertinent to analyze, the mutual understanding and working together against terrorism and extremism.
Indian also wants to strengthen energy ties with Saudi Arabia and the offer of Indian companies working in oil and gas projects in Saudi Arabia is likely to be welcomed by the host country to a great extent.
With the planned withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2011 in view, the visit is part of an effort to enhance Indian influence in Afghanistan to ensure pressure on Pakistan from West in future.
Whatever stance the Indian take on this visit but its a clear indication that regional stability is not possible without friendly relations between Pakistan and India. For the first time Indians are seeking Saudi Arabia's help to sort out differences between the two countries and use its influence to persuade Pakistan to reduce tension in the region.
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