Shillong, September 10: As US President Joe Biden readied himself for the G20 meeting in New Delhi, the question on everyone’s mind was whether he would meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS). According to Biden’s officials, there’s no meeting scheduled, but the dynamics could change when world leaders convene.
As per IANS, as of the end of the first day of the G20 summit, there’s been no reported bilateral meeting between Biden and MBS. However, they did share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders. Together, they announced a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting India, West Asia, and Europe via a port and rail network. This initiative serves as a countermove to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signifying a historic partnership.
The United States, once a dominant player in West Asia, now faces formidable competition from China. It played a pivotal role in brokering détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier in the year and expanded BRICS to include four West Asian nations.
Biden’s relationship with Saudi Arabia has been strained due to concerns about MBS’s alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Although Biden seeks to engage with the crown prince cautiously, tensions persist.
Despite the complexities in US-Saudi relations, the US continues to work with other nations in the region. The formation of the I2U2 group, comprising India, Israel, UAE, and the US, aims to promote joint investments and initiatives in various sectors.
The Biden administration has also made efforts to end the civil war in Yemen, with a UN-led ceasefire extension and improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia playing a role. Additionally, the administration is actively working on a significant normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which could reshape the dynamics of West Asia.
While facing competition in the region, the Biden-led US remains committed to its interests and initiatives.