Pakistan open to Russia as venue for India talks after Pahalgam attack

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, has indicated that Russia could potentially serve as a platform for future negotiations between Pakistan and India, following the recent terrorist attack in the Indian-administered town of Pahalgam.

In an interview with Russian media, Ambassador Jamali emphasized that any such development would depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations and whether India is willing to engage in dialogue, Caliber.Az reports.

"This is the next step," Jamali said, in reference to the possibility of using Moscow as a venue for bilateral talks. "At the moment, it is necessary to see whether the other side is ready for it or not."

His comments come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors following the Pahalgam incident, in which Indian media and officials swiftly accused Pakistan of involvement. The ambassador criticized the rapid attribution of blame, saying, "We made official statements after the Pahalgam incident, when after just 10 minutes Indian media and leaders started blaming Pakistan."

In response to the accusations, Pakistan’s National Security Committee convened shortly after its Indian counterpart and reiterated its willingness to support a fair investigation. "Our Prime Minister offered a neutral, transparent and credible investigation. We are ready to cooperate," Jamali affirmed.

Addressing Pakistan's stance on international counter-terrorism efforts, the ambassador highlighted the country’s role in shaping global consensus on the issue. "As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Pakistan engaged very positively and constructively with all international partners and issued a consensus document," he said, referring to a resolution that unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

On April 22, a brutal attack in the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, located in the Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, left 25 Indians and one Nepalese national dead, with many more wounded from machine gun fire.

The assailants, dressed in military fatigues, managed to flee the scene. According to the Hindustan Times, Indian intelligence agencies reportedly discovered evidence implicating Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the terrorist assault, which was allegedly carried out by militants from the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, a group banned in Russia.

In response to the attack, India dramatically reduced its diplomatic presence in Islamabad, cutting nearly half of its embassy staff. It also declared the Pakistani military advisors in India as personae non gratae and shut down the critical Attari border checkpoint with Pakistan. Furthermore, New Delhi suspended a key water-sharing agreement with Islamabad and halted the issuance of visas to Pakistani citizens, while revoking previously issued visas as of April 27.

In retaliation, Pakistan’s National Security Council announced the suspension of all bilateral agreements with India and warned that any attempt by India to alter the flow of water from the Indus River would be considered an act of war. Pakistan also closed its airspace to Indian airlines and shut down the Wagah border checkpoint. Additionally, Pakistan expelled Indian defense, naval, and aviation advisors, while accusing India of sponsoring terrorist groups operating within Pakistani territory.

By Vafa Guliyeva