Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of oil rich, middle east powerhouse, Saudi Arabia, who has recently been in the eye of the storm for his alleged role in the killing of Washington Post columnist and Saudi detractor, Jamal Khashoggi is scheduled to visit India and Pakistan among other Asian countries. The visit of Salman, who became the Crown Prince in June 2017, is an important one for both nations and comes at a crucial time, especially considering the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan after the Pulwama attacks.
The Crown Prince was to make a two day visit to Pakistan beginning on Saturday and was reportedly preparing to sign a record investment package including a 10 billion $ refinery and oil complex. Having recently given Pakistan a 6 billion $ loan to help keep its ailing economy afloat, the middle east nation seems to have a soft spot for Pakistan and is said to be an ally after a pact in the early 1970’s helped forge a close military and economic partnership between their respective governments. However, in what could be considered a blow to Islamabad, the Crown Prince cut short his visit to Pakistan a day after 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in a car bomb attack in Pulwama district.
Pakistan’s loss may be India’s gain as we may be able to prove to Saudi that India is indeed a better, safer and a more conducive environment for the Saudi’s to invest their massive amounts of money. Mohammed Bin Salman is expected to arrive in New Delhi on Feb 19th for a two day visit to discuss investment in India’s energy sector, especially retail, and cooperation on international security and terrorism. PM Modi’s globetrotting and building relations with international leaders seemed to have rubbed off on the Saudis as well with them coming closer and forging ties with India, the most recent one being in 2014, where a defence cooperation pact was signed. Further, PM Modi’s visit in 2016 enhanced security cooperation including anti-terrorism measures. Cooperation in solar energy and ways to enhance non-oil exports are other areas New Delhi and Riyadh are looking to discuss.
Perhaps it is finally time that the international community lifts the veil on Pakistan’s continued support of terror funding and finds other investment destinations where they can feel safe that their money is not being put to use for nefarious purposes.
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