Riyadh — Saudi Arabia has initiated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following a deadly attack in the disputed Kashmir region, a senior Saudi official confirmed to Agence France-Presse on Friday.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday in Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 26 male tourists and has heightened hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault, a claim Islamabad has firmly denied.
In response, both nations have engaged in cross-border skirmishes along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir, prompting the United Nations to call for “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation.
“The Kingdom is undertaking efforts to prevent an escalation between India and Pakistan,” the Saudi official stated, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The two countries are allies of Saudi Arabia, and we do not want the situation to get out of control.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has conducted separate telephone discussions with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts, according to a statement from his office. The talks focused on reviewing the current situation and exploring avenues to reduce tensions.
The Kashmir region, divided between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947, remains a contentious issue, with both nations claiming full sovereignty over the territory.
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The recent violence has further strained relations, particularly as the attack coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Saudi Arabia. Modi was compelled to cut his trip short and return to New Delhi to address the crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s mediation efforts reflect its growing role as a diplomatic intermediary in global conflicts. In February, the Kingdom hosted discussions between U.S. and Russian officials to mend strained relations following Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Riyadh has facilitated talks on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the border dispute between Lebanon and Syria.
As the situation in Kashmir remains volatile, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic intervention underscores its commitment to fostering stability among its regional allies. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, urging both India and Pakistan to pursue dialogue to avert further conflict.