POBNEWS24, Desk report Dhaka Apr 26, 2025 : Saudi Arabia is trying to mediate to ease the tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors after a terrorist attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir. A senior Saudi official told AFP.
A report on Saturday (April 26) said that 26 tourists were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday (April 22). India and Pakistan have taken retaliatory measures against each other in the wake of this incident. New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the attack, although Pakistan has denied the allegation.
The situation has become more heated with the exchange of fire between the armies of both countries along the Line of Control (LoC). In this context, the United Nations has called on both sides to show “maximum restraint”.
A senior Saudi official, who did not want to be named, told AFP, “Saudi Arabia is trying to reduce tensions between India and Pakistan. Both countries are Saudi Arabia’s friends. We do not want the situation to get out of control.’
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan had separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan. The statement said that during the talks, he “reviewed the progress of the situation and efforts to reduce tensions.”
Kashmir was divided between India and Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947. Both countries claim sovereignty over the entire territory.
When the attack took place on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia. He cut short his visit and returned home immediately after receiving news of the attack.
Saudi Arabia has tried to mediate on various international issues before. In February this year, the country hosted talks between US and Russian officials to restore relations. In addition, Riyadh has hosted talks to resolve the war in Sudan and the border dispute between Lebanon and Syria.
