The Modi Government Will Convey To Al-Jubeir That Pakistan Needs To Shut Down ‘Terror Factory’

NEW DELHI: India will convey Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir visiting Delhi on Monday that Pakistan’s recent “clamp down” against terror groups are inadequate and that the Imran Khan must undertake irreversible action against terror masterminds.

The Modi government will convey to Al-Jubeir, who will be here for wide-ranging dialogue including Pulwama terror attack and its aftermath, that Pakistan needs to shut down ‘terror factory’ and take irreversible action against terror operatives, ET has learnt.

“It is regrettable that Pakistan still continues to deny Jaish-e-Mohammed’s own claim of taking ownership of the Pulwama attack. In 2004, the then President of Pakistan had made a solemn public commitment that they would not allow any territory under their control to be used for terrorist activity in any manner. But till today, however, Pakistan has failed to take any credible action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other terrorist organizations, which continue to operate from Pakistan. The presence of terrorist camps in Pakistan is a public knowledge within and outside Pakistan,” an official said, adding, “the visiting Minister will be conveyed of the necessity of compelling Pakistan to move beyond mere words and to show credible, verifiable and sustained actions.”

While India has made it clear that it is not seeking any mediation in its relations with Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter, the issue of recent Indo-Pak tensions will figure during the Saudi Minister’s visit. Last week India had politely turned down the request by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister who wished to visit Delhi after his trip to Islamabad.

Saudi Arabia is pitching for a bigger role by India in the Islamic World and backed UAE against Pakistan’s wishes to stick to decision to invite Foreign Minister as the Guest of Honour at the OIC meet. Riyadh also backed UAE to drop any mention of Kashmir in final OIC communique despite pressure from Pakistan.

Al-Jubeir who earlier wanted to visit India from Pakistan last week was politely advised to make a standalone visit to Delhi on the lines of Saudi Crown Prince Mohd Bin Salman who made an exception and returned back home from Islamabad before arriving in Delhi on February 20.

The Saudi Foreign Minister’s visit will also be utilised to fast-track Saudi investments in energy and infrastucture sector as announced during Crown Prince trip. The Saudi Crown Prince has announced intention to invest 100 bn usd in India and FDI in energy sector including refinery in Maharashtra is being fast-tracked. Saudi Arabia has decided to make India as its energy hub and India increased seats for Saudi national carrier close on the heels of the visit of Crown Prince.

Source: ET

Image Courtesy: ArabNews