Why in News?

Long-time allies appear to be drifting apart, with Saudi Arabia preferring to build ties with India.

Pak-Saudi Relation

• The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was at peak during 1971 war between India and Pakistan. They were opposing the creation of Bangladesh.
• Since 1970 Pakistan forces stationed in Saudi and during the Iraq-Iran war more than 20,000 soldiers stationed in Saudi for support.
• Pakistani import a larger number of arms from Saudi Arabia.
• Besides they supported Pakistan during the Soviet-Afghan War in 1980’s against Soviet Union.
• Saudi is the largest source of petroleum for Pakistan and established oil refinery at Gwadar with 5 lakh barrel capacity per day in 2018. Support of Saudis with oil

Reason and Signs of Saudi India ties

• After the revoking Article 370 no harsh statements declared by Saudi or any Organisation of Islamic Conference(OIC) even Pakistan pressurise OIC.
• Saudi Arabia invited Indian PM investment forum in Riyadh and Both countries have developed closer economic and security ties to India in recent years.
• Just days after India’s Kashmir decision, a $15bn energy deal was announced.
• Saudi also supported India by pressurising Pakistan for releasing Abinandan, after the Pulwama terror attack.
• Pakistan increasing ties with Turkey who is trying to position himself as the new leader of Muslim world, Saudi seen it as a challenge.
• Pakistan is now seeking eonomic support from China that Pakistan earlier get it from Saudi.
• In 2015, Pakistan’s Parliament decided not to support the Saudi military effort to restore an internationally recognised government in Yemen.

Benefit for Saudi from ties with India

• Saudi economy is diversifying from oil sector to other sectors India will be a good market.
• Saudi is the fourth largest trade partner of India.
• India imports around 18% of its crude oil requirement and a major source for LPG.
• The oil import may increase in future as India-US ties increasing. US sanction for Iran may force India to stop import of crude from Iran.

Benefits for India

Saudi may not allow to thwart regional instability by raising issues in Kashmir. Besides India can get support from Ara world through diplomatic ties with Saudi. It will be good for India if Pakistan-China-Saudi triangle is not formed.

Source : Indian Express

Topic

GS III : Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora