Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia and Iran offer to mediate between India and Pakistan to ease tensions over the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The Pahalgam terror attack has led to a downgrade in ties between India and Pakistan, with both countries replying in kind.
- Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have offered to use their good offices to forge greater understanding between India and Pakistan.
Riyadh/New Delhi: Saudi Arabia today tried to use its good offices to mitigate rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack, with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan dialing his Indian and Pakistani counterparts.
The Saudi Foreign Minister spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during which the two sides discussed the Pahalgam terror attack and its links with Pakistan.
EAM Jaishankar posted on X:
“Had a telecon with Foreign Minister @FaisalbinFarhan of Saudi Arabia.
“Discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack and its cross-border linkages.”
The Pakistan Foreign Office posted on the telecon between the two ministers.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today received a call from the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan
@FaisalbinFarhan.
“The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the current status of bilateral relations. They also discussed the regional developments.
“DPM/FM briefed Prince Faisal on decisions taken by the Pakistan’s National Security Committee in the wake of unilateral measures announced by India.
“He rejected India’s baseless allegations and cautioned against further escalatory moves. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to respond firmly to any aggression.
“Both leaders agreed to continue consultations and coordination on the evolving regional situation.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi today offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to ease regional tensions.
In a post on X, he said:
“India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, enjoying relations rooted in centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties. Like other neighbors, we consider them our foremost priority.
“Tehran stands ready to use its good offices in Islamabad and New Delhi to forge greater understanding at this difficult time, in line with the spirit taught by Persian poet Saadi:
“Human Beings are members of a whole
“In creation of one essence and soul
“If one member is inflicted with pain
“Other members uneasy will remain”.
The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which has been linked to cross-border handlers, has led India to downgrade its ties with Pakistan, with Islamabad replying in kind. PM Modi has also vowed vengeance for the attacks and said the perpetrators will be hunted down to the end of the earth.
