Answer

The Pahalgam terror attack and evolving security dynamics in West Asia have prompted India to recalibrate its diplomatic engagements with key regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As India intensifies its efforts to strengthen ties with these nations, counter-terrorism cooperation has emerged as a central theme in these strategic partnerships.

Diplomatic Engagements Post-Pahalgam

• Strengthened Counter-Terrorism Diplomacy: The Pahalgam attack (December 2024), which involved cross-border terrorism, emphasized the need for closer counter-terrorism collaboration with global partners.
• Focus on Regional Security Cooperation: India’s diplomatic response involved bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to enhance regional security architecture, ensuring coordinated responses to common threats.
• Engagement in Multilateral Platforms: India used multilateral forums like the BRICS and UN to galvanize support for counter-terrorism efforts, urging these countries to take a stronger stance against cross-border terrorism.
  For example: During the BRICS Summit (2024), India led discussions on terrorism financing and cross-border insurgency, with strong backing from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Increased Intelligence Sharing: Diplomatic channels were opened for enhanced intelligence sharing between India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to track and neutralize terror cells operating in the region.
• Building Strategic Counter-Terrorism Infrastructure: Diplomatic discussions post-Pahalgam led to the establishment of joint counter-terrorism task forces between India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
  For example: In 2024, a joint task force was created to address threats emanating from terrorist organizations like ISIS and al-Qaeda in West Asia, in cooperation with Indian security agencies.

Evolution of India’s Strategic Partnerships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

• Foundational Security Cooperation: The initial security ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE were focused primarily on trade and energy, but over time, counter-terrorism became a critical area of collaboration.
• Shared Interests in Combating Extremism: Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been increasingly vocal in condemning extremism and have aligned with India’s stance on countering state-sponsored terrorism.
  For example: In 2019, both countries condemned the Pulwama attack and pledged to cooperate with India in dismantling terror networks across the region. 
• Bilateral Intelligence Cooperation: India has gradually expanded its counter-terrorism cooperation with these Gulf nations through joint intelligence-sharing frameworks.
  For example: In 2021, India and Saudi Arabia held their first joint counter-terrorism exercise, focusing on information sharing and intelligence collaboration to combat regional terrorism.
• Enhanced Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building: India has also assisted in strengthening the counter-terrorism capacities of both countries, offering training and technical support for their security agencies.
• Alignment on International Counter-Terrorism Standards: India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE align their counter-terrorism efforts with UN and FATF standards to combat terror financing and extremism.
  For example: In 2023, all three countries participated in the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and pledged to cooperate on global anti-terror financing initiatives. 

India’s strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE have deepened, especially in counter-terrorism, with enhanced intelligence sharing and joint efforts against cross-border threats. The Pahalgam terror attack highlighted the need for stronger security collaboration. These partnerships are vital for India’s security and West Asian stability.

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