Saudi Arabia Calls for De-escalation Amid Heightened India-Pakistan Tensions

TDT | Manama

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Saudi Arabia has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly the ongoing exchange of fire along their shared borders. In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both nations to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.

The Kingdom emphasized the importance of respecting the principles of good neighborliness and working towards peace and regional stability for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.

The diplomatic appeal from Riyadh comes amid growing fears of a potential military escalation. Pakistan’s government warned on Wednesday that India may be planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, following a deadly attack on April 22 in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir. The attack, which took place in the tourist resort of Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 26 individuals.

Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, stated via the social media platform X that Islamabad possesses “credible intelligence” indicating that New Delhi may take military action under the “pretext of baseless and concocted allegations” regarding the Kashmir attack.

“Pakistan reiterates that any such military adventurism by India would be responded to assuredly and decisively,” said Tarar, warning of the consequences of any further escalation. He also urged the international community to recognize the gravity of the situation and hold India responsible for any worsening of the crisis.

India, for its part, has claimed the April 22 attack has “cross-border” links. However, Islamabad has distanced itself from the violence, expressing concern and offering cooperation for an independent investigation into the incident.

In response to the attack, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a decades-old water-sharing agreement between the two nations. The decision was met with condemnation from Pakistan and has further strained bilateral ties. In addition, both countries have closed border crossings and further downgraded diplomatic relations.

As tensions continue to rise, regional stakeholders and the international community are closely monitoring developments, with calls intensifying for both India and Pakistan to return to dialogue and avoid a broader conflict.