PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince condemn Pulwama attack in joint statement

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman discussed the complicity of Pakistan in Pulwama terror attack on a CRPF convoy that killed 40 personnel, during their meeting on Wednesday. The MEA said the two leaders condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack on Indian forces.

“Both the leaders underlined the importance of comprehensive sanctioning of terrorists and their organisations by the United Nations,” said TS Tirumurti, secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.

On being asked if Saudi Arabia has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the MEA said at this point, no mediation has been offered.

The MEA also said the Saudi Crown Prince appreciated the consistent efforts made by Modi since May 2014, including his personal initiatives, to have friendly relations with Pakistan. Both sides agreed on the need for the creation of conditions necessary for resumption of the comprehensive dialogue.

Saudi Arabia also ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in its jails after Salman’s meeting with Modi. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the decision was taken on the request of Modi. “Another big deliverable! At the request of the PM, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in Saudi jails,” he said in a tweet.