New Delhi: Following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated. However, the broader Muslim world has responded with strategic restraint, prioritising diplomatic and economic interests over religious solidarity with Pakistan, top Indian diplomatic sources told CNN-News18.
Major Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, have largely refrained from backing Pakistan openly. Their deepening economic ties with India — spanning trade, energy, and labour — have influenced a more cautious approach. “Most Muslim-majority countries are more focused on regional stability and economic growth than aligning along religious lines,” a senior official said.
Iran, for instance, has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, presenting itself as a neutral actor. It avoided any strong stance during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and continues to distance itself from direct involvement in the Kashmir issue.
Saudi Arabia is reportedly maintaining a “calibrated and pragmatic” position. Despite its traditional alliance with Pakistan, the Kingdom has avoided making strong public statements against India. Its silence is seen as a sign of prioritising Vision 2030 — an economic diversification agenda that depends heavily on Indian partnerships.
Qatar has also maintained a neutral stance. Having emerged from the Gulf blockade (2017–2021), it now favours diplomacy over ideology. Like during the 2019 Kashmir row, Doha has avoided condemning India and instead emphasised dialogue.
The UAE has expressed concern over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty but has not endorsed Pakistan’s stance. Its $85 billion trade with India in 2024 and growing investment ties appear to outweigh its historical closeness to Islamabad. During the Article 370 episode, it supported India’s sovereignty, reinforcing its economic-first approach.
Turkey, though traditionally vocal in supporting Pakistan, has limited its response to diplomatic appeals for peace. With trade with India reaching $10 billion, Ankara appears to be recalibrating its strategy — maintaining rhetoric without damaging ties with New Delhi.
