Jaishankar refrain to Saudi, Iran, US, EU: Will counter escalation

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir landed in India on an unannounced visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Thursday with a focus on de-escalating tension. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in New Delhi around midnight last night on a scheduled visit.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Jaishankar, and according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, “emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation.”

Bruce said Rubio expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to “improve communications.” Jaishankar said: “Spoke with US @SecRubio this evening. Deeply appreciate US commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism. Underlined India’s targeted and measured response to cross-border terrorism. Will firmly counter any attempts at escalation.”

Rubio also spoke with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and echoed what he told Jaishankar. According to Bruce, he also “expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict,” and reiterated calls for “Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups.”

Jaishankar’s message to Rubio found an echo in what he told European Union’s High Representative for foreign affairs and security policy Kaja Kallas: “India has been measured in its actions. However, any escalation will get a firm response.”

This came after Kallas’s unequivocal support: “The European Union (EU) and its 27 Member States unequivocally condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam… Those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice. Every state has the duty and the right lawfully to protect its citizens from acts of terror.”

Stating that the EU was monitoring the growing tensions in the region and the ensuing consequences, “including the possible loss of more lives,” she said: “The EU calls on both parties to exercise restraint, to de-escalate tensions and desist from further attacks to safeguard civilian lives on both sides. The EU urges both sides to engage in dialogue.”

Meeting Iranian Minister Araghchi, Jaishankar said, “This attack compelled us to respond on May 7 by striking at the cross-border terrorist infrastructure. Our response was targeted and measured,” he said. “It is not our intention to escalate the situation. However, if there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very very firm response.”

Araghchi, who had earlier extended his offer to mediate between the two countries, also met NSA Ajit Doval.

The meeting with Saudi Arabia is crucial since Riyadh has influence and leverage over Pakistan. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Jeddah when the Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22.

“A good meeting with @AdelAljubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia this morning,” Jaishankar said in a social media post.

“Shared India’s perspectives on firmly countering terrorism,” he said.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri recalled that India-Saudi joint statement also had a very strongly worded condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.

He said that there is a recognition of the “barbaric nature” and the “unprecedented character” of the attack and a “recognition of India’s right to respond to this.”

Misri added that there was a “recognition of the fact that in responding, we have been nothing but responsible, and have done so in a restrained, in a measured manner…I think that counts for something. People have taken that into account, and that is what is explaining the kinds of reactions that we are seeing and we appreciate, the sentiments and the statements that have been made by the vast majority of world leaders.”

While Saudi had traditionally been a backer of Pakistan, the needle has moved towards India in the recent years as India has aggressively engaged with the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Modi

Significantly, unlike in the past when ministers and leaders from the US and the West, would land up in India after tensions with Pakistan would escalate, this time it is the Arab country which has taken the lead.

Jaishankar told the visiting Iranian foreign minister that as a neighbour and close partner, it is important that Iran has a good understanding of the situation.

Washington, too, is leaning in. US President Donald Trump said he wants India and Pakistan to “stop” what he described as “tit for tat” actions, saying if he can do anything to “help”, he will be there.