Image Credit: X account @DrSJaishankar
Saudi Minister Visits Delhi Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tensions
In a surprise diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel al-Jubeir, arrived in New Delhi on an unannounced visit, amid the growing strain in India-Pakistan relations. The visit comes in the wake of India’s recent airstrikes targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under “Operation Sindoor,” a retaliatory mission following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian lives.
The Saudi minister met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the regional situation. “A good meeting with @AdelAljubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia this morning,” Jaishankar stated. “Shared India’s perspectives on firmly countering terrorism,” he added.
Operation Sindoor has drawn global attention as India struck multiple terror hubs affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The strikes reportedly caused over two dozen deaths and several injuries among the targeted militants. The Indian government maintains that these were proportionate and precise operations aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure after repeated provocations.
The presence of the Saudi minister is being seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to de-escalate rising tensions. Riyadh has historically maintained a balanced relationship with both New Delhi and Islamabad and may be positioning itself for a mediatory role, especially given the gravity of the current regional dynamics.
Saudi Diplomacy Amid Crisis
Adel al-Jubeir’s visit coincided with the arrival of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who is in India to co-chair a joint commission meeting. Interestingly, Araghchi has also signaled Iran’s willingness to mediate between the two South Asian nations.
The dual presence of senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Iran highlights the increasing diplomatic churn around the subcontinent’s security crisis. India, meanwhile, continues its diplomatic outreach while reinforcing its firm stance against terrorism.
Operation Sindoor’s Regional Ripples
Following the strikes, India convened an all-party meeting where senior ministers including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nirmala Sitharaman briefed the opposition on the operation’s outcome and strategic path forward. The government emphasized that the action was a direct response to Pakistan’s failure to act against terror groups operating from its territory.
