Kashmir is a disputed territory, Saudi FM tells India; Urges Taliban to take into account world’s concerns
News Desk
Saudi Foreign Minister Amir Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who is on his maiden visit to India, has said that Saudi Arabia could play a role in easing tensions between archrivals Pakistan and India.
In an interview with The Hindu, he categorically said that Kashmir is a disputed territory and Saudi Arabia is ready to play its role in resolving the issue.
The statement is in stark contrast to India’s position, which has always refused to recognise Kashmir as an international dispute. India has historically strongly objected to the role of any third party in resolving the Kashmir issue.
This statement by the Saudi foreign minister while sitting in India is of far-reaching significance. “There should be focus on path of dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve issues in a way that can settle concerns permanently,” he said.
Saudi FM’s visit is being regarded as significant as it is taking place at a time when the region is in a state of extraordinary uncertainty due to the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
Responding to a question, the Saudi foreign minister also said that the kingdom could play a role in easing tension between Pakistan and India.
It is pertinent to mention here that India has always been reluctant to accept the possible role of any third party, calling its differences with Pakistan a bilateral issue.
These statements by the Saudi minister during the visit have once again raised difficult questions for India at the diplomatic level.
On the Afghan crisis, he said that the thing that is of most concern is stability. “In that regard, the leadership in Afghanistan now, the Taliban, has a responsibility to exercise good judgement and good governance, to be inclusive, to bring in all people in Afghanistan, and to forge a path that can lead to stability, security and prosperity,” he added.
He said that the Taliban must also take into account the concerns of the international community as regards the security situation.
To a question regarding withholding international aid to the war-torn country, Saudi FM said that it is directed primarily for the benefit of Afghan people. “Our position is that aid should continue and should not be affected by these situations.
