Russia Urges India and Pakistan to Resolve Tensions Bilaterally Amid Pahalgam Attack Fallout
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| Image via PTI |
In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam region, Russia has stepped in, calling for both South Asian neighbours to resolve their differences through diplomatic dialogue. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the appeal during a telephonic conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on May 2, 2025.
Context: The Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 28, 2025, a deadly terrorist strike in Pahalgam resulted in the loss of 26 lives, marking one of the most severe attacks in the region in recent years. Indian authorities immediately attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed terror outfits, reigniting long-standing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
India's Ministry of External Affairs released a statement condemning the attack and vowed to respond with firm measures to safeguard national security and uphold regional peace.
Russia’s Diplomatic Intervention
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, it was confirmed that Lavrov expressed deep concern over the recent developments in the region. "They discussed issues of Russian-Indian cooperation and the aggravation of Indian-Pakistani relations following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam," the Russian statement read.
Lavrov emphasized the importance of resolving disputes in line with existing diplomatic frameworks: the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration. These treaties serve as cornerstones for India-Pakistan dialogue, advocating bilateral negotiations without third-party mediation.
Simla Agreement and Lahore Declaration: Diplomatic Foundations
The Simla Agreement, signed in 1972 by Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, calls for peaceful resolution of all disputes and underscores bilateral mechanisms.
The Lahore Declaration of 1999, signed by then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, reinforced the commitment to avoid armed conflict and promote mutual understanding.
Lavrov’s invocation of these frameworks signals Russia’s support for regional stability without external interference.
India's Diplomatic and Strategic Response
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India has announced a set of countermeasures aimed at isolating Pakistan diplomatically and economically:
- Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty: India has temporarily halted cooperative measures under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water-sharing arrangements between the two nations.
- Closure of Integrated Check Post at Attari: India closed the Attari-Wagah border check post, affecting bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.
- Reduction of Diplomatic Staff: India has ordered a reduction in diplomatic personnel at the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi and has recalled some of its own officials from Islamabad.
These steps are intended to send a strong message to Pakistan over its alleged support for terrorism and to rally international support against cross-border militancy.
India-Russia Strategic Partnership
Despite the regional crisis, Lavrov and Jaishankar also discussed continued cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi. Russia has long been a trusted strategic partner to India, supplying military equipment, energy support, and backing India’s stance on global platforms.
The Russian statement also noted that the ministers spoke about upcoming high-level bilateral meetings, signaling continuity in the India-Russia diplomatic calendar.
Pakistan's Response and Global Reactions
While Pakistan has denied involvement in the Pahalgam attack, the international community has largely remained cautious. Few nations have openly supported India's measures, but several, including the United States and the European Union, have reiterated the need for de-escalation and dialogue.
Russia’s balanced stance underscores its broader foreign policy goal of maintaining influence across South Asia while supporting regional peace.
A Call for Diplomacy Amid Escalation
As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan, Russia's intervention is a reminder of the vital role of diplomacy. Sergey Lavrov’s emphasis on bilateral resolutions via the Simla and Lahore agreements presents a viable framework for peace.
While India’s response to the Pahalgam attack is grounded in security imperatives, the broader goal remains peace and stability in the region. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether both nations heed Russia’s advice and return to the negotiating table—or continue down a path of confrontation.
