Watan- At the G20 Summit in New Delhi, a seemingly casual conversation between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has caught the attention of international observers. This interaction, set against the backdrop of the summit’s theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” has fueled speculations given recent reports of a silent rift between the two leaders.
The photographs of their exchange, widely circulated on Saudi and Emirati platforms, come at a time when there are murmurs of a silent crisis between the two, especially following the Gulf reconciliation with Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, led his nation’s delegation at the summit, responding to an invitation from the Indian Prime Minister. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by the Indian leadership. In contrast, the UAE’s participation in the summit was marked by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s presence, emphasizing the nation’s status as an honored guest.
The relationship between the two leaders has been under scrutiny, with British newspaper The Telegraph highlighting a potential fallout. Citing the Wall Street Journal, the report mentioned that bin Salman hadn’t spoken to bin Zayed for over six months. During an informal meeting with Saudi journalists, bin Salman reportedly hinted at imposing a blockade on the UAE, reminiscent of the 2017 Gulf blockade on Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s strengthened position on the global stage, particularly due to the West’s reliance on Saudi support for energy market stability, has further complicated the dynamics. The kingdom’s surplus production capacity allows it to fill any gaps in the oil market, making it an indispensable regional power and a significant trading partner for the West.