Saudi Arabia vows to try to "de-escalate" tensions between India, Pakistan after Pulwama attack

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs today and briefed him “in detail” about the prevailing situation after Pulwama attack, agencies said.

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman will be visiting India tomorrow/ Courtesy: AP

New Delhi: Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed-bin-Salman, who just wrapped up his 2-day Pakistan trip, vowed to make efforts "de-escalate” tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pulwama, as he begins preparations to head to New Delhi. The Saudi crown prince who signed investment agreements worth USD 20 billion with the cash-strapped country, will be arriving in India on a two-day visit on February 19 - his first-ever trip to the country, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir today and briefed him “in detail” about the prevailing situation after Pulwama attack, agencies said. The terror attack in Pulwama, which is the worst ever after 2016 Uri attack, happened when a suicide bomber blew up an explosive-laden vehicle near a convoy of CRPF buses in Pulwama district on Thursday, killing 41 CRPF soldiers. The relation between the two countries soured after the attack, as Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed the responsibility for the strike.  Tensions have been swelling between the two nuclear-armed neighbours amidst war of words. "Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," Jubeir was quoted as saying by PTI. He also said both countries were facing similar challenges, including the scourge of terrorism. He said Saudi wanted both countries to resolve their conflicts and have peaceful relations. The crown prince during two-day visit inked at least seven MoUs and agreement to make investments of worth USD 20 billion. The Kingdom also provided USD 3 billion loan and another USD 3 billion oil facility on deferred payment during the past three months. Jubei's remarks to make efforts for reducing tensions came as Pakistan on Monday called back its envoy from India for consultations. Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was on Friday summoned in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale who lodged strong protest.  Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria was also called to New Delhi for consultations in the wake of the attack. (Additional inputs from PTI)