Relations between India and Pakistan have drastically worsened since the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives and was the bloodiest strike in the area since the Pulwama attack in 2019.
India has accused terrorists based in Pakistan of planning the attack, which has caused diplomatic and military tensions to quickly escalate. Armed clashes along the Line of Control, diplomat expulsions, the suspension of important bilateral agreements, and the closure of borders and airspace between the two nuclear-armed neighbors are just a few examples.
Pakistan formally approached Russia during this crisis in an attempt to defuse the situation by requesting its diplomatic intervention. Mohammad Khalid Jamali, Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, highlighted Russia’s special status as India’s preferred strategic partner and a nation with close relations to Pakistan.
Referencing the historical precedent of the 1966 Tashkent negotiations, in which the Soviet Union was instrumental in bringing an end to hostilities between India and Pakistan, he voiced hope that Moscow could use its power to mediate between the two sides.
In response to these events, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held separate talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, as well as his Indian colleague, S. Jaishankar. Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to help mediate a political resolution of the conflict during these discussions, emphasizing the value of diplomacy and the necessity of exercising moderation. Lavrov did stress, though, that Russia’s willingness to assist was only if India and Pakistan both indicated a desire to have a conversation.
Crucially, in line with the 1972 Simla Agreement and the 1999 Lahore Declaration, Russia has openly called on both countries to settle their problems through direct bilateral engagement. These agreements, which promote adherence to the Line of Control and the avoidance of third-party mediation, serve as the cornerstone of the diplomatic framework for the amicable settlement of conflicts between India and Pakistan.
India has long had a hard position against third parties being involved in the Kashmir conflict, insisting on bilateral methods as described in the aforementioned agreements, even though Pakistan has indicated an openness to Russian mediation.
Russia has stated that, with both parties’ cooperation, it is willing to mediate the dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. In addition to encouraging moderation, upholding current bilateral accords, and fostering direct political discussion, Moscow has signaled its willingness to act as a mediator should both Islamabad and New Delhi accept such a role. Given the reactions of both India and Pakistan in the next several days, there is still room for additional escalation or diplomatic engagement.
