Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti said on Thursday that the joint statement by India and Saudi Arabia on holding talks with Pakistan vindicated their stand.

The statement issued after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Sheikh Muhammad bin Salman has emphasized "creating conditions for the resumption of a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan".

Abdullah said on his Twitter page: "I'm glad to see the Modi government acknowledge what some of us in J&K have been saying all along - dialogue is the only way forward and for that India and Pakistan will have to work to create the right environment.

"The joint statement talked about creating conditions for the resumption of the comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan.

"When some of us say this we are called anti-national and Pakistani agents in various TV studios.

"When the government of India acknowledges the need to create suitable conditions for dialogue and that too in a statement with a third country, this is suddenly the height of patriotism and nationalism."

In her reaction, Mehbooba Mufti said: "Amid the din and clamour for war, the India-Saudi joint statement on creating conditions conducive for talks between Pakistan and India is a welcome step.

"Message for war-mongers is loud and clear. Also, by promising investment in both nations, MBS surely knows the art of keeping everyone happy."

--IANS

sq/mr

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