ANNExURE 4 231
They stressed the fact that during recent years, India’s traditional
relations have developed into a multidimensional relationship with
Saudi Arabia as also with other Arab countries. The two sides reit-
erated their belief that further development of these relations will
be to the mutual benefit of the peoples of both countries on the
basis of equality and mutual respect.
- The Crown Prince particularly welcomed the visit of Prime
Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi to Saudi Arabia at this critical junc-
ture when the prevailing hostilities and tension in the region posed
a very grave threat to regional and international peace. The Crown
Prince and the Prime Minister recognised that the stability and
security of the Gulf region and that of the Indian sub-continent
were closely interlinked. In this context they emphasised the need
and importance of closer and regular contacts as also of deeper
and more diversified exchanges between India and Saudi Arabia as
well as with other countries of the region. These would not only
be to mutual benefit and advantage but would also contribute to
the strength, security and stability of their respective regions.
- The Indian side outlined the recent developments in connection
with the normalisation of relations amongst the countries of the
Indian sub-continent and stressed India’s desire to work with all
her neighbours for achieving peace and harmonious relationship
in the region. The Saudi side expressed the hope that efforts
being made by countries in the sub-continent to normalise rela-
tions will soon lead to an atmosphere of peace, understanding
and good neighbourliness.
- The two sides reviewed developments in regard to the normalisa-
tion of relations between India and Pakistan initiated by the two
countries. They underlined the importance of maintaining an
atmosphere conducive to further negotiations between India and
Pakistan to attain the objectives of nonaggression and the non-
use of force through mutually acceptable arrangements. The
Indian side explained in this context its proposal to conclude a
treaty of peace, friendship and cooperation with Pakistan. It was
agreed that the consolidation of India and Pakistan relations
would serve the interests of the peoples of the two countries and
would contribute to – security, stability and peace in South Asia
and in the entire region.
