India Pakistan war: Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Turkey announce support for…, supply of weapons…

New Delhi/Islamabad: Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached new heights following the massacre in Pahalgam. The manner in which 26 people were killed by terrorists has drawn global attention. The whole world stands with India, including Islamic countries. Most Muslim countries are prioritizing their geopolitical and economic benefits over showing religious solidarity with Pakistan. Iran and Turkey are moving towards diplomatic solidarity, while Gulf countries are valuing economic and regional stability. Iran has already proposed mediation to reduce tensions and has positioned itself as a neutral party rather than supporting Pakistan.

Saudi Arabia, along with Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, is connected with India through trade, energy exports, and the labour sector. According to sources, these countries are avoiding unconditional support for Pakistan because India is an important economic partner for them. Saudi Arabia did not issue any strong statement regarding the Pahalgam attack and considers Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

Sources say that Saudi Arabia does not want to get embroiled in any controversy and is focusing under ‘Vision 2030’ on increasing its revenue streams, where India’s role is crucial.

Qatar has also maintained neutrality in this matter and its foreign policy focuses on economic stability and remaining neutral in regional disputes. It prioritizes economic interests over religious unity.

The UAE criticized India for the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) but did not openly support Pakistan. The UAE’s $85 billion trade with India and its dependence on Indian labour and investment compel it to adopt a balanced stance.

Iran has proposed mediation to reduce tensions and has presented itself as a neutral party. Sources say that Iran’s current diplomacy is an attempt to maintain regional stability and its economic relations with India. Iran considers India an important trading partner, especially in the context of the Chabahar port project, and therefore is not openly speaking in favour of Pakistan.

Historically, Turkey has supported Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, but this time its stance is measured. Turkey’s $10 billion trade with India in 2024 is forcing it to avoid confrontation with India. Turkey’s response is limited to diplomatic statements, reflecting its efforts to maintain economic relations with India and avoid confrontation. Turkey recently issued a clarification that it is not supplying weapons to Pakistan.

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