INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
platform for cooperation and dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran, the Responsible Statecraft said in a commentary on August 28.Simultaneous
accession to BRICS and, in the future, Saudi accession to SCO, could further enhance the incipient process of bilateral normalization
accession criteria and gathers countries that seemingly have little in common except some vaguely defined dissatisfaction with the United
unrealistic commitments and expectations.A forum like BRICS, where both Iran and Saudi Arabia can interact on an equal footing and all
decisions are taken by consensus, could prove to be a suitable arena to incrementally build mutual confidence.In other words, a forum like
BRICS, where both countries can interact on an equal footing and all decisions are taken by consensus, could prove to be a suitable arena to
incrementally build mutual confidence.Such a prospect, of course, is far from inevitable
The reactions from Tehran and Riyadh to the invitation to join BRICS were markedly different in tone and substance
Seen from this angle, joining BRICS is diplomatically far more impactful for Iran than the SCO
Unlike the latter, BRICS is truly global and cannot be dismissed as a club of Eurasian countries
these countries can be classified as an anti-American
guarantees for the kingdom in exchange for Saudi-Israeli normalization
Yet, joining BRICS fits into a broader Saudi strategy of diversifying foreign ties, and, in particular, building a closer relationship with
The chances, therefore, are that Saudi Arabia, after taking a requisite diplomatic pause, will accept the BRICS invitation.Matters may be
In that context, full SCO membership may be a bridge too far for Riyadh
Yet such membership is not imminent anyway
Meanwhile, SCO dialogue partner status that the kingdom obtained earlier in 2023 provides it another link to Iran, a permanent member
disputed Arash/Dorra gas field, which pits Saudi Arabia and Kuwait against Iran have not yet been resolved.Perhaps, most urgently for Tehran
political party will want to appear solicitous of Iran
not necessarily be the case
Relations between China and India are similarly not devoid of tensions due in part to a long-standing border dispute: as recently as 2020,
scores of Indian and Chinese soldiers were killed in an armed skirmish
Both countries also compete for leadership in the Global South
Yet both Beijing and Delhi also seek to preserve dialogue and close economic relations
pragmatism prevails.There is no reason why Tehran and Riyadh cannot manage their differences in similar fashion
China, a leading power in both BRICS and SCO, also played a crucial role in kickstarting the Saudi-Iranian rapprochement and can be expected
to invest in this process further.Most importantly, both Tehran and Riyadh see an abiding national interest in proceeding with the
de-escalation and normalization of ties
In the near future, at least, it looks likely that this trajectory will be preserved, despite the pitfalls on the way
