Diplomats from Gulf nations seek to de-escalate rising tensions between India and Pakistan, marking a shift in regional mediation dynamics.
**Gulf States Take Center Stage in India-Pakistan Mediation Efforts**
**Gulf States Take Center Stage in India-Pakistan Mediation Efforts**
As global powers step back, Saudi Arabia and UAE intensify diplomatic engagement to mitigate conflict.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are stepping up their diplomatic efforts to ease the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, with a particular focus on the recent conflict sparked by a terror attack in Kashmir. With the United States absent from active mediation, these Gulf states are aiming to play a pivotal role in calming the situation.
For two weeks, the conflict has escalated following accusations from India that Pakistan was involved in a terror attack on April 22 in the region India administers. Following this incident, India launched airstrikes targeting sites in Pakistan and Kashmir administered by Pakistan, leading to significant unrest.
In response to this escalation, Saudi diplomats have been actively engaging with leaders from both nations. Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, conducted meetings with Indian officials in New Delhi and Pakistani leaders in Islamabad. Simultaneously, Pakistan has maintained communication with ambassadors from other Gulf countries such as the UAE and Kuwait, while Iranian Foreign Minister also made diplomatic visits to both nations.
The Gulf states have cultivated strong ties with both India and Pakistan, attributed to the sizable Indian expatriate community in the region, extensive energy trade, and shared economic interests. Saudi Arabia has historically relied on Pakistan for military support since the 1960s, establishing a long-standing security partnership.
The Gulf countries previously played mediating roles during crises, notably in 2019, when they engaged with both nations following India’s airstrikes in Pakistan. High-level visits by officials from Saudi Arabia and the UAE were paramount in diffusing tension at that time. Such efforts culminated in a cease-fire agreement along the Line of Control in 2020 and secret negotiations aimed at fostering peace.
Experts suggest that Gulf states view mediation as not only a diplomatic mission but also as a means to enhance their prestige and safeguard their own regional security and economic interests.
As the situation continues to develop, the effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts remains to be seen, signaling a significant moment for Gulf-led mediation in South Asia.
For two weeks, the conflict has escalated following accusations from India that Pakistan was involved in a terror attack on April 22 in the region India administers. Following this incident, India launched airstrikes targeting sites in Pakistan and Kashmir administered by Pakistan, leading to significant unrest.
In response to this escalation, Saudi diplomats have been actively engaging with leaders from both nations. Adel al-Jubeir, the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, conducted meetings with Indian officials in New Delhi and Pakistani leaders in Islamabad. Simultaneously, Pakistan has maintained communication with ambassadors from other Gulf countries such as the UAE and Kuwait, while Iranian Foreign Minister also made diplomatic visits to both nations.
The Gulf states have cultivated strong ties with both India and Pakistan, attributed to the sizable Indian expatriate community in the region, extensive energy trade, and shared economic interests. Saudi Arabia has historically relied on Pakistan for military support since the 1960s, establishing a long-standing security partnership.
The Gulf countries previously played mediating roles during crises, notably in 2019, when they engaged with both nations following India’s airstrikes in Pakistan. High-level visits by officials from Saudi Arabia and the UAE were paramount in diffusing tension at that time. Such efforts culminated in a cease-fire agreement along the Line of Control in 2020 and secret negotiations aimed at fostering peace.
Experts suggest that Gulf states view mediation as not only a diplomatic mission but also as a means to enhance their prestige and safeguard their own regional security and economic interests.
As the situation continues to develop, the effectiveness of these diplomatic efforts remains to be seen, signaling a significant moment for Gulf-led mediation in South Asia.
