Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held separate phone talks with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to discuss the latest developments in the region, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
Discussions with Indian Counterpart
On Friday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan held a phone conversation with the Indian Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. During the call, both minister reviewed relations between Saudi Arabia and India. They also discussed the latest regional developments and efforts made to de-escalate tensions.
According to the Indian Foreign Minister, they discussed the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and its cross-border linkages.
Consultations with Pakistan
Also on Friday, the Saudi Foreign Minister spoke with the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ishaq Dar, according to SPA.
The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the recent developments in the region and efforts made towards addressing them.
The Pakistani Foreign Minister briefed Prince Faisal on decisions taken by the Pakistan’s National Security Committee in the wake of the Kashmir attack and measures announced by India.
Furthermore, both ministers agreed to continue consultations and coordination on the evolving regional situation, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry posted on X.
Kashmir Terror Attack
On Tuesday, gunmen opened fire at a group of tourists at a resort in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, killing at least 26 people, including 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national.
The massacre, which India labeled as a “terror attack” and said it had “cross-border” links to Pakistan, has sparked tensions between the two neighbors which imposed tit-for-tat diplomatic measures.
In response to the attack, New Delhi downgraded diplomatic ties with Islamabad; suspended a crucial water-sharing agreement; closed a key border crossing between the two countries; and revoked all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
Pakistan retaliated with closing its airspace for all Indian-owned or Indian-operated airlines, suspending all trade with India including via third countries, and cancelling visas for all Indian nationals.
Furthermore, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire along the Line of Control (LOC) in the disputed Kashmir region overnight from Thursday to Friday and again from Friday to Saturday, raising concerns over a broader military confrontation.
