Pahalgam Attack: India Courts Pakistan Allies Diplomatically
Why in the news
Even as the Pahalgam attack raised fears of military escalation, India worked on its relations with three countries long seen as close to Pakistan: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Taliban-run Afghanistan.
Key facts
- Saudi Arabia: PM Modi was in Jeddah when the attack occurred and discussed it with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- The joint statement used the strongest condemnation language yet seen in such India-Saudi texts.
- UAE: ties transformed after the 2017 Strategic Partnership; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited in April.
- Taliban: India’s point-person for Pakistan-Afghanistan-India matters made a surprise Kabul visit and met Muttaqi, the Taliban foreign minister.
Partner snapshot
| Country | Key milestones | Shift highlighted |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 2006 India-KSA Delhi Declaration; 2010 Strategic Partnership | From counterterrorism help to technology cooperation and promised $100 billion investment |
| UAE | 2017 Strategic Partnership; repeated Modi visits | Contrast with the 1990s, when extradition requests such as Dawood Ibrahim’s struggled |
| Taliban-ruled Afghanistan | Meeting with Muttaqi in Kabul | Open condemnation of Pahalgam, unlike earlier hostility |
Background
- Saudi cooperation earlier helped secure the arrest of Sayed Zabiuddin Ansari (Abu Jundal), an LeT co-conspirator in the 26/11 attacks.
- In the 1990s India also found little support from the UAE over events like the 1999 IC-814 hijacking.
Implications
- Countries once seen as limiting India’s room for manoeuvre now back it against terrorism, adding pressure on Pakistan.
- Shows the payoff of patient, long-term relationship-building.
Exam angle
- Saudi Crown Prince: Mohammed bin Salman.
- Taliban foreign minister named in the notes: Muttaqi.
- Years to remember: 2006, 2010 (Saudi), 2017 (UAE).