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disagreements or differences between the two. A matured partnership
would be able to absorb occasional shocks: for example, India’s ties with
Iran (for Riyadh) or Saudi statements in OIC in support of Pakistan (for
New Delhi).
One is not suggesting that a secular India could view largely conserva-
tive Saudi Arabia as an ally, but there are far too many interest convergen-
ces which should enable India to transform the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
as its dependable friend and vice versa. And that choice is primarily India’s!
P. R. KUMARASWAMY AND MD. M. QUAMAR