THE rapidity with which the newly appointed Pakistani Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, embarked on his inaugural official visit to Saudi Arabia underscored the significance of the relationship between the two nations. However, what truly captured global attention was the outcome of this visit, marked by a joint declaration that not only reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest $5 billion in Pakistan but also urged for the resolution of longstanding disputes between Pakistan and India, notably the contentious issue of Jammu and Kashmir. This diplomatic move by Saudi Arabia aligns with a broader trend of Gulf nations actively engaging in efforts to facilitate peace between India and Pakistan.
The United Arab Emirates, in particular, had previously brokered a crucial ceasefire between the two South Asian neighbours in 2021, effectively diffusing escalating tensions and averting potentially catastrophic cross-border conflicts that had flared up since 2019. The motivations driving Saudi Arabia and the UAE to step into the role of mediators in the India-Pakistan conflict are multifaceted and rooted in both regional geopolitics and historical dynamics. Understanding the complexities behind their intervention necessitates a nuanced appreciation of the evolving landscape in both the Middle East and South Asia. Firstly, the Gulf States have strategic interests in fostering stability in South Asia, given its proximity to the energy-rich region they inhabit. Instability or conflict in the Indian subcontinent could have ripple effects on global energy markets, which the Gulf economies heavily rely on.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE seek to position themselves as key players in regional diplomacy, enhancing their geopolitical stature and influence on the world stage. Furthermore, both countries have historical ties with Pakistan, shaped by shared religious affiliations and longstanding economic partnerships. However, they also maintain significant relations with India, the world’s largest democracy and a crucial trading partner. By advocating for peace between Islamabad and New Delhi, Saudi Arabia and the UAE aim to navigate a delicate balancing act, maintaining cordial relations with both countries while promoting regional stability. Moreover, the involvement of Gulf States in mediating the India-Pakistan conflict reflects a broader trend of increased diplomatic activism in the region. As traditional power dynamics undergo shifts and new geopolitical fault lines emerge, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seeking to assert themselves as key arbiters of peace and stability, not only within the Middle East but also in neighbouring regions.
The ties between the Middle East and South Asia have a rich and complex history, spanning centuries of commercial, religious and cultural interactions. These connections have endured through various historical epochs but recent times have seen significant developments, particularly since the establishment of modern Middle Eastern states after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the partition of India and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia emerged as a crucial supporter of Pakistan shortly after its inception in 1947. Despite being resource-constrained, Pakistan with its substantial Sunni-majority Muslim population, found a reliable ally in Saudi Arabia. Over the years, Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, has provided Pakistan with essential financial assistance in the form of loans, grants and concessional oil. Pakistan reciprocates by sending a significant portion of its workforce, numbering 12.4 million overseas workers, predominantly to these Gulf States.
These workers, constituting over 77% of nearly 830,000 who ventured abroad for employment in 2022, contribute substantially to Pakistan’s economy through remittances. The relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia extends beyond economics to encompass strategic and security dimensions. Pakistan played a pivotal role in training “holy warriors” alongside Saudi Arabia and the US to combat the Soviet Union’s presence in Afghanistan following its occupation in 1979. Furthermore, during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, Pakistan stationed tens of thousands of troops in Saudi Arabia. Military collaboration, including training and arms exports, has been a consistent feature of Pakistan’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Despite its close ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Pakistan also seeks to maintain relations with Iran, mindful of its significant Shi’a minority. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan’s independence and both nations enjoyed closer security cooperation during the reign of the Shah, particularly through their involvement in the Baghdad Pact.
However, the 1979 Iranian revolution altered the geopolitical landscape, fracturing alliances and forcing Pakistan to navigate a divided Middle East marked by the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan found itself embroiled in a sectarian proxy war, exacerbated by the rise of Sunni militant groups nurtured by Saudi and American support for the Afghan jihad. Consequently, sectarian tensions have become entrenched within Pakistan, posing challenges to its internal stability. The relationship between Pakistan and the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is multifaceted, encompassing economic, strategic and security dimensions. However, Pakistan’s engagement with the region is also influenced by its efforts to balance relations with Iran and navigate the complexities of sectarianism, reflecting the intricate geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia.
—The writer, a PhD scholar, is associated with Islamia University Bahawalpur.
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