With no response forthcoming from the Saudi embassy till Monday eve-ning to cooperate in the probe involving one of its diplomats accused of rape of two Nepalese wo-men, India is intrigued by the ston
With no response forthcoming from the Saudi embassy till Monday eve-ning to cooperate in the probe involving one of its diplomats accused of rape of two Nepalese wo-men, India is intrigued by the stony silence of the Saudis, even as there were reports that NSA Ajit Doval has decided to handle the issue amicably as it has a potential to impact the Indo-Saudi relations negatively. Speculation was rife that India may have no option but to ask the Saudis to recall the concerned diplomat or else declare him “persona non grata” in case Saudi Arabia ignores India’s request.
When asked about Mr Doval’s reported role in handling the issue, government sources said they were not surprised if this were so since the NSA would be keen to ensure that the developments do not affect ties between New Delhi and Riyadh.
While following all diplomatic conventions and adhering strictly to the law, India may have to tread cautiously on the matter since Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oil exporters to energy-hungry India. Indians are also the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia with over 2.88 million Indian nationals working and contributing towards development of “the Land of the Two Holy Mosques”.
But nevertheless, sources said the Saudi silence to India’s request is puzzling as the alleged rape of the two Nepalese women at Gurgaon had already snowballed into a huge controversy.
India had asked Saudi Arabia last Thursday to get the accused diplomat to cooperate in the investigation.
