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| PM steps up diplomacy, pushes neighbourhood upto Saudi Arabia, offers Pak an olive branch | | |
ABID SHAH
NEW DELHI, FEB 27: On a day when Indian Air Force aircraft was landing here with the bodies of slain Army men and others in yesterday’s Kabul attack by Taliban, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been all set to leave for Saudi Arabian Capital Riyadh for a summit meeting with King Abdullah. He said that this may open a new chapter in strategic arena, pointing to Indian desire to mend relations with not only with West Asia but also the Muslim world or Islamic countries at large.
Nearer home his visit is bound to cast a reflection on India’s ties with its other South Asian neighbours. And, thus, Prime Minister’s Riyadh visit is of direct significance for the troubled northern State of Jammu and Kashmir.
At another level this signifies a new swing in Indian diplomacy which has, indeed, been stepped up though it may not be liked by all, mainly Iran in this region and Tel Aviv in Middle East. Yet given India’s growing international standing and the support it enjoys from the West, mainly US, this may not bother the policy makers as much as could have been the case during the previous decades.
Thus, on the eve of his departure to Riyadh President Hamid Karzai called the Prime Minister from Kabul to express condolences on the loss of Indian lives and injuries in the terrorist attack in Kabul on Friday. Karzai promised investigation into the attack. The Prime Minister conveyed India’s outrage at the incident. Manmohan Singh asked Karzai to ensure full security for Indian nationals in Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed to stay in touch, said a statement issued by Prime Minister’s office today.
Significantly, Manmohan Singh said here today while talking to journalists from Arabian region, “We seek a peaceful and normal relationship with Pakistan. We should be good neighbours. In that quest we have consistently sought to engage those in Pakistan who are ready to work with us. There is no alternative to dialogue to resolve the issues that divide us. Today the primary issue is terrorism.
“As a neighbour, we cannot remain immune to the rise of extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, or on the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Extremism and terrorism are major threats not only to India, but also to Pakistan, and all its other neighbours. It is in our collective interest that we resolutely oppose, resist and overcome terrorism and all those who nurture, sustain and give sanctuary to terrorists and extremist elements.
“It is a fact that Jammu and Kashmir and its people have suffered repeatedly at the hands of terrorism from across the border. This has militated against the will of the people of the State, who have time and again voted in large numbers in democratic elections to unambiguously reject violence. We have taken several measures for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, and for its people to live in peace and harmony, as in the rest of the country. In so far as our dialogue with Pakistan is concerned, we are ready to discuss all issues with them in an atmosphere free from terrorism.
“India and Saudi Arabia belong to the same extended neighbourhood. Both King Abdullah and I reject the notion that any cause justifies wanton violence against innocent people. We are strong allies against the scourge of extremism and terrorism that affects global peace and security.
“Terrorism remains the single biggest threat to peace, stability and to our progress. Global efforts are needed to defend the values of pluralism, peaceful co-existence and the rule of law. We reject the idea that any religion or cause can be used to justify violence against innocent people. We have institutionalised our cooperation with the Gulf countries by putting in place various security cooperation agreements, including extradition treaties.”
Manmohan Singh will be third Indian Prime Minister to visit Saudi Arabia and the last to visit Riyadh was the later Indira Gandhi. And it was 28 years ago when she had been the State guest in Riyadh. After that King Abdullah was invited to be the main guest to watch the Republic Day parade at Rajpath here in 2006.
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