Saudi gives ‘reality check’ to Pakistan on Kashmir, echoes India’s stance during PM Sharif’s visit

Saudi Arabia in a joint statement with Pakistan echoed India’s long standing stance to resolve Kashmir issue with Pakistan bilaterally. The joint statement urged India and its neighbour Pakistan to resolve their “outstanding issue” bilaterally. The statement was issued during Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia where he met Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi’s stance over Kashmir issue has come as a blow to Pak’s agenda of raking up Kashmir issue on global platforms. Meanwhile geopolitical experts said the joint statement “is matured” and will have a “plus point” on relation between India & Saudi. India and Saudi Arabia enjoys cordial and friendly relations and diplomatic ties were established in 1947. Prince Salman represented Saudi at G20 Summit where India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) was signed. Saudi Crown Prince MBS was also accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his India visit.