Kashmir Issue and the Pahalgam Attack

The Pahalgam attack was orchestrated by Pakistan as a strategic move to bring the Kashmir issue back into international focus. This coincided with the visit of Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia and US Vice President’s visit to India.

Pakistan's Strategic Intentions

• The attack aimed to hyphenate India and Pakistan in the eyes of the global community.
• Pakistan’s military was frustrated over the lack of global attention to the country and the Kashmir issue.
• There was an expectation that Saudi Arabia and the US administration would be compelled to respond to Islamabad.
• Pakistan sought sympathy from world capitals, including the Arab world and the West.

Global Response

• The US strongly supported India following the attack. US President condemned the attack and assured full support to the Indian Prime Minister.
• After the attack, Abu Dhabi sided with India despite Pakistan hosting UAE's deputy PM and FM.
• The Saudi government, under Crown Prince, backed any action India deemed necessary.

Pakistan's Diminishing Influence

• Over the past decade, Pakistan's appeal has waned among Gulf states and the broader Arab world.
• Support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue has been limited to stereotyped statements from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
• Even within the OIC, countries like those in Central Asia and Indonesia are not particularly supportive of Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.
• India received strong backing from the USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and even Turkey, Pakistan’s traditional ally.