Saudi Minister Meets Jaishankar in Delhi Post-Operation Sindoor

New Delhi, May 8, 2025: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, just hours after India’s military operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor.” The operation involved targeted missile strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

The discussions between Al-Jubeir and Jaishankar, held at Hyderabad House, focused on India’s perspective on combating terrorism, particularly in light of the recent strikes aimed at neutralizing terror infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that Jaishankar elaborated on the rationale behind India’s actions, emphasizing the precision and necessity of the strikes to counter cross-border terrorism. Al-Jubeir’s visit, described as pre-scheduled by diplomatic sources, underscored Saudi Arabia’s interest in understanding India’s stance amid heightened regional tensions.

The meeting occurred against the backdrop of global calls for de-escalation, with countries like Qatar, Spain, and the United Kingdom urging restraint and dialogue between India and Pakistan. Al-Jubeir’s visit followed a series of high-level diplomatic exchanges, including Jaishankar’s conversations with counterparts in France, Germany, and Qatar, reflecting India’s efforts to brief key international partners on the operation.

Al-Jubeir is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Thursday, signaling the importance of Saudi Arabia’s engagement with India during this sensitive period. The visit, while planned in advance, aligns with ongoing international efforts to address the fallout from Operation Sindoor and prevent further escalation in the region.