After meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, National Security Advisor (NSA) met Crown Prince of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and personally offered condolences on the death of his uncle Sheikh Suhail bin Mubarak Al Ketbi on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this meeting, other members of the ruling family and senior government functionaries were also present. He visited UAE on Wednesday after his visit to Saudi Arabia. The meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia was certainly very crucial as it comes days after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visit.

READ | Ajit Doval meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discusses Kashmir

The prevailing situation in J&K discussed

The two-hour meeting between NSA Doval and Saudi Crown Prince turned out to be extremely fruitful as both also discussed the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Crown Prince has expressed his understanding of India’s approach and actions in Jammu and Kashmir. The stand taken by Saudi Arabia is a major blow for Pakistan since Islamabad was hoping that Riyadh would back them. NSA has spoken extensively about the rationale behind certain decisions like communication restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also been vocal about India’s reasoning for the change in Jammu and Kashmir’s status. There have been efforts from Pakistan to orchestrate violence and the government’s cautious approach to lift these restrictions without loss of lives. Imran Khan has already expressed his displeasure during his recent visit to the U.S. He was hoping that “Muslim world” would back Pakistan on Kashmir. Khan has been disappointed with the resounding support that India has received after the abrogation of Article 370.  

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NSA Ajit Doval meets UAE counterpart

NSA also had a meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Tahnoon Al Nahyan. They discussed various issues of bilateral importance and cooperation between the two countries. This was an important visit following the NSA’s visit to Saudi Arabia. UAE and India have strong bonds and there have regular interactions on various issues at the highest levels. NSA’s visit will further strengthen the understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

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NSA meets Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

The National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval had a one-on-one meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on Wednesday on his visit to Saudi Arabia. The meeting lasted for almost two hours and a wide range of issues were discussed on various aspects of bilateral relations. Top sources have confirmed that a discussion on Jammu & Kashmir did take place. “Saudi Crown Prince expressed understanding about India’s approach and actions in J&K,” said a source privy to the meeting. The 2016 joint statement, issued by the two countries following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, had very strong references to combating terrorism. Saudi Arabia made it clear that Pakistan’s narrative on Kashmir was not acceptable due to a far better appreciation of India's position.

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