India Voices Strong Displeasure: Saudi-Pakistan Deal Sparks Diplomatic Row

India has lodged a formal and unequivocal protest with Saudi Arabia, expressing profound "serious concerns" over the Kingdom's decision to extend a significant financial package to Pakistan. This diplomatic move underscores New Delhi's deep apprehension regarding the timing and implications of such an arrangement, particularly amidst escalating global scrutiny of Pakistan's role in fostering and financing terrorism.

The bone of contention is Saudi Arabia's reported $6 billion assistance package to Pakistan, comprising $3 billion in foreign exchange support and an additional $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports.

While such economic aid might typically be viewed as bilateral, India's displeasure stems from the belief that it potentially provides a lifeline to a nation that New Delhi consistently accuses of supporting cross-border terrorism, thereby undermining regional peace and security.

Indian diplomatic channels conveyed to Riyadh the imperative for the Kingdom to "mind sensitivities" given the prevailing geopolitical landscape.

This thinly veiled warning highlights India's long-standing concerns about terror emanating from Pakistani soil and its continued efforts to draw international attention to Islamabad's alleged non-compliance with global anti-terrorism financing norms, particularly those mandated by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Senior Indian officials have articulated that any financial assistance to Pakistan, especially without rigorous oversight, could inadvertently bolster its capacity to perpetuate destabilizing activities.

India has consistently pointed out that Pakistan's economic woes are often exacerbated by its inability to curb terror financing and money laundering, making the Saudi package particularly contentious in this context.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, without directly referencing the Saudi-Pakistan deal, recently emphasized a broader international concern.

"The international community needs to be careful about those who practice terrorism," Jaishankar stated, underscoring the necessity for collective responsibility in addressing nations that harbor or support terror groups. This statement is widely interpreted as a direct message reinforcing India's stance on the matter.

The diplomatic friction between India and Saudi Arabia, typically strong allies, underscores the complexity of regional power dynamics.

India expects its key partners to be acutely aware of its national security interests, especially when engaging with nations that pose a direct threat. The message from New Delhi is clear: while sovereign nations are free to conduct their foreign policy, such actions should not disregard the legitimate security concerns of close strategic partners, particularly when those concerns relate directly to the fight against global terrorism.