KEY POINTS
- Russia urges de-escalation between Pakistan and India amid rising border tensions
- Pakistan’s envoy said talks in Russia could be possible after investigation
- The UN Security Council will hold closed-door consultations on the issue
- Pakistan will brief the UN on India’s aggressive actions, warning of threats to regional peace
MOSCOW: Russia on Monday called for de-escalation between Pakistan and India as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the attack without presenting any credible evidence, sparking a series of heated threats and diplomatic tit-for-tat measures. Pakistan condemned the attack and strongly rejected the Indian government’s accusations.
A day after the Pahalgam incident on 23 April, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security approved measures including the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a neutral, independent and transparent investigation into the incident.
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia expect both Pakistan and India to take measures to reduce tensions. “We hope that the parties will be able to take measures (…) that will reduce tensions,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that “we are following with great concern the tense atmosphere that has developed on the border.”
Moscow last week said it was ready to mediate after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held calls with both sides last week.
The Pakistan military said on Monday it had conducted a second missile test since the stand-off began.
Russia ready to help resolve Pakistan-India differences
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Sunday spoke to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and offered Russia’s help in resolving tensions between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir dispute, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said.
“Particular attention was paid to the significant rise in tension between New Delhi and Islamabad,” the ministry said in a statement, referring to Lavrov’s conversation with Ishaq Dar.
“The Russian side stressed its readiness to contribute to a political settlement of the situation that arose as a result of a terrorist attack on April 22 in the Pahalgam area, subject to the mutual desire of Islamabad and New Delhi,” the ministry said.
Moscow as venue for Pakistan-India talks
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Moscow Muhammad Khalid Jamali said in an interview with TASS said that a negotiation platform in Russia could be considered after the investigation into the Pahalgam incident.
When asked whether Pakistan is interested in Moscow as a venue for negotiations with India, the diplomat noted that this is “the next step,” and at the moment it is necessary to see “whether the other side is ready for this or not.”
“We made official statements after the incident in Pahalgam, when just 10 minutes later, the Indian media and leaders began to accuse Pakistan. Our National Security Committee held a meeting after the Indian Security Committee had already made some decisions. In response, our Prime Minister proposed conducting a neutral, fair, and thorough investigation. We are ready to cooperate,” the ambassador said.
UN Security Council to discuss Pakistan-India tensions
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold closed-door consultations on Monday to address rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
According to Business Standard, the meeting, scheduled for 3pm New York time by the Greek Presidency, was convened at Islamabad’s request.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced on May 4 that it would update the UN on regional developments following, including India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.
ALSO READ: UN Security Council to Discuss Pak-India Tensions Today
In addition to the five permanent members with veto power — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — the 10 non-permanent members in the council are Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, South Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia.
Pakistan will inform the UN Security Council about India’s aggressive actions, provocations, and inflammatory statements. It will specifically highlight India’s illegal measures aimed at suspending the Indus Water Treaty.
Besides, Pakistan will make it clear that how India’s aggressive actions are endangering peace and security in South Asia and beyond.
This important diplomatic initiative is part of Pakistan’s efforts to present accurate facts to the international community.
