Saudi Arabia-Iran initiative to reduce India-Pak tension: Pressure for mediation increased after Pahalgam attack

New Delhi/Islamabad: Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their peak after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for this attack and suspended the Indus Water Treaty. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Iran have started diplomatic intervention to reduce tensions. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan spoke to the foreign ministers of both countries, while Iran has offered mediation. This initiative is considered important for regional stability, but will it be able to reduce tensions?

Saudi Arabia and Iran mediate

Saudi Arabia and Iran, which succeeded in normalizing their relations with the mediation of China in March 2023, are now active in reducing Indo-Pak tensions. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan spoke to Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the phone on April 25. Jaishankar wrote on X, “The Pahalgam terror attack and its cross-border connections were discussed.” Pakistan's Foreign Ministry also confirmed the conversation, in which Dar briefed the Saudi minister on regional developments.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on X on April 25, “India and Pakistan are brotherly neighbors of Iran, with whom there are deep cultural and civilizational ties. We are ready to offer our services to enhance understanding in this difficult time.” He gave a message of peace and unity, quoting lines from the famous Persian poet Saadi. Iran condemned the attack and called for global cooperation against terrorism.

Pahalgam attack escalates tensions

The Pahalgam attack, claimed by Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked 'The Resistance Front', further strained Indo-Pak relations. India closed the Attari-Wagah border, expelled Pakistani diplomats, and recalled its advisers in Islamabad. Pakistan responded by closing the airspace for Indian flights and halting trade. Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil said, "Pakistan will not get a drop of water."

Role of Saudi Arabia and Iran

This intervention by Saudi Arabia and Iran is not new. Saudi Arabia and the UAE had also mediated after the 2019 Pulwama attack. Saudi Arabia has a deep strategic and economic partnership with Pakistan, including $5.5 billion in remittances from 1.5 million Pakistani workers. On the other hand, Iran is linked to India through the Chabahar port project and oil trade. Both countries have an interest in regional stability, as Indo-Pak tensions could increase instability in the Middle East and South Asia.

Pakistan's response

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised the efforts of Saudi and Iranian ministers. On April 26, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shahbaz Sharif over the phone. "We shared views on the regional situation and reiterated the desire for peace," Sharif wrote on X. Pakistan, however, condemned India's "aggressive actions" and called the water blockade an "act of war".

India's stance

India has not formally responded to the mediation proposal, but sources say New Delhi considers it a bilateral issue. "The attack has exposed cross-border ties," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. Experts believe India may be reluctant to accept mediation, as it is pushing for tough action against terrorism.

Regional and global implications

The mediation of Saudi Arabia and Iran is important for regional stability. Both countries had reduced tensions in the Middle East by normalizing their relations in 2023. Escalation of Indo-Pak tensions could pose economic challenges for Saudi Arabia and geopolitical challenges for Iran. China has also advocated de-escalation of tensions, supporting Pakistan.

Conclusion

The mediation of Saudi Arabia and Iran is a positive step towards reducing Indo-Pak tensions. However, India's zero tolerance policy against terrorism and Pakistan's retaliatory actions complicate it. The initiative of both countries is a ray of hope for regional peace, but its success depends on the will of India and Pakistan. Time will tell whether this mediation will bring stability to South Asia.