The recent G20 Summit in New Delhi unveiled a surprising twist in thegeopolitical landscape, as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a long-standingally of Pakistan, publicly acknowledged the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan andKashmir as integral parts of India. This revelation came to light through avideo presentation showcased during the summit, a move that was also sharedon social media by the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister, Saif bin Zayed AlNahyan.
In the video, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, which have been underPakistan’s administrative control, were depicted as integral components ofIndia’s territorial map. While the primary purpose of the video was tooutline regional plans for fostering economic corridors between India, theMiddle East, and Europe, it inadvertently shed light on the UAE’sdiplomatic stance regarding the Kashmir issue. By depicting these regionswithin India’s borders, the UAE effectively signaled its support forIndia’s territorial claims over the area.
This development not only hints at a strengthening bond between India andthe UAE but also underscores the growing divide between Pakistan and theMiddle East, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Saudi Arabia’sPrime Minister and Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Salman, cancelled hisofficial visit to Pakistan prior to attending the G20 summit in India,sending a potent message to Pakistan’s political echelons.
Conversely, India, in collaboration with the Middle East and Europe, hasentered into an agreement led by the United States, laying the groundworkfor a new economic pathway. This route is expected to foster enhancedbusiness ties and connectivity across Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.
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It is worth mentioning that Pakistan had previously anticipated asubstantial $50 billion investment from Saudi Arabia and the UAE over thenext five years, with each country committing $25 billion. In light ofthese recent developments, it remains uncertain how Pakistan will respond,given its prior statements on the matter that didn’t explicitly name theUAE but may carry a significant diplomatic weight