Islamabad, May 9, 2025 – In a bid to de-escalate the mounting tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, arrived in Islamabad today for a high-level diplomatic visit. This follows his unannounced trip to New Delhi, signaling Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in fostering dialogue in South Asia.
Upon landing in Islamabad, Al-Jubeir was warmly welcomed by the Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan and senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His visit comes at a critical juncture, as the region grapples with heightened hostilities following recent military actions and cross-border incidents.
Key Discussions with Pakistani Leadership
Al-Jubeir held productive talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions centered on the deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and India, with both sides exploring avenues for de-escalation. Al-Jubeir is also slated to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior leaders to further address the crisis and discuss bilateral ties.
Pakistan has expressed its commitment to peace while emphasizing that India’s recent actions, including missile strikes, have exacerbated the situation. Pakistani officials reportedly urged Saudi Arabia to rally international support in condemning India’s military operations, which they claim targeted civilians. They also called for India to reconsider its stance on suspending key bilateral agreements.
Saudi Arabia and U.S. as Mediators
Diplomatic sources indicate that Saudi Arabia and the United States have emerged as key mediators in the crisis. On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscoring a coordinated effort to prevent further escalation. Al-Jubeir’s visits to both New Delhi and Islamabad reflect Saudi Arabia’s balanced approach to maintaining strong ties with both nations while advocating for dialogue.
Pakistan has reiterated that it does not seek escalation but expects India to take concrete steps toward de-escalation. The country has called on the international community to hold India accountable for its actions and urged a reversal of decisions that have strained bilateral relations.
A Call for Dialogue
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic outreach highlights its growing influence in regional conflict resolution. By engaging both India and Pakistan, the Kingdom aims to create a platform for constructive dialogue to reduce the risk of further conflict. Al-Jubeir’s visit underscores the importance of diplomacy in addressing the complex issues fueling tensions in South Asia.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, with hopes that diplomatic efforts will pave the way for stability and peace in the region.
