Biden tries to reach out to Saudi Crown Prince via India amid chill in bilateral ties

In an effort by US President Joe Biden to reach out to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via the territory of India amid chill in their bilateral ties, the US, India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE may announce a major joint infrastructure deal on Saturday on the sidelines of the G20 summit.

The proposed deal will seek to connect the two key Gulf states via a network of railway lines, and further to India through shipping lanes in what would rival the Belt and Road Initiative in the region. Intense negotiations have been ongoing among the four countries since early this week to seal the deal, a person in the know said, adding: "It will be a gamechanger."

Amid the chill in Saudi-US ties under the Biden administration and Saudi Crown Prince's goal to put in place a multipolar foreign policy approach, China has made inroads in the Gulf. Last month Saudi Arabia, which has ushered unprecedented reforms, joined BRICS as a new member. Saudi and Russia have also been engaged in trade in recent times via the International North South Transport Corridor in the backdrop of improved relations between Iran and Riyadh.


The plan was initiated during Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval's visit to Saudi in May. This infrastructure deal could reduce shipping times, cost, the use of diesel and make trade faster and cheaper between India and Mediterranean. India is steadily increasing its presence in the Mediterranean via Greece and Italy.

Following the G20 summit, the Saudi Crown Prince will undertake a state visit to India on Monday, with a focus on expanding investment, energy and security partnerships. While it is yet to be confirmed, Biden may meet the Crown Prince on the sidelines of the summit.