Saudi Arabia urges India-Pakistan dialogue on Kashmir dispute in diplomatic push
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Saudi Arabia emphasized the criticality of dialogue between India and Pakistan to address longstanding issues, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in a joint statement following a high-level meeting between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Riyadh.
Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the joint statement underscored the imperative of resolving outstanding issues through peaceful means to ensure regional peace and stability.
While India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral part of the country, Pakistan has persistently advocated for a resolution to the dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Furthermore, the statement also addressed the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, calling for international efforts to halt the hostilities, mitigate humanitarian impact, and ensure unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
The leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and relevant UN resolutions in advancing the peace process, particularly in the context of the Arab Peace Initiative aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The deteriorating ties between India and Pakistan, exacerbated by the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and its subsequent bifurcation into two union territories in August 2019, have been a cause for concern in the region. However, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed a desire for peaceful relations with India, based on the principles of equity, justice, and mutual respect.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan's commitment to seeking a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, emphasizing the need to adhere to relevant UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The joint statement signals a diplomatic push towards dialogue and conflict resolution, acknowledging the importance of multilateral efforts in addressing complex regional challenges.
