Russia announced Friday its willingness to play an active role in mediating between Pakistan and India over their longstanding Kashmir dispute, offering its diplomatic services as mediator between these nuclear-armed neighbors. Sergey Lavrov made this declaration underscoring Moscow’s dedication towards regional stability and peace throughout South Asia.
Lavrov addressed a press conference and reiterated Russia’s longstanding position on the Kashmir conflict, encouraging both Pakistan and India to enter dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. Russia stands ready to help facilitate bilateral discussions between India and Pakistan to address their differences over Kashmir, according to Lavrov. He believes direct negotiations, with support from international agencies, offer the most viable route towards lasting peace.
Lavrov’s remarks came amid escalated tensions between Pakistan and India, specifically related to their ongoing dispute over Kashmir, which both countries claim in full but administer separately. Over recent years, Kashmir has become more unstable with frequent military clashes along the Line of Control (LoC), and civilian deaths and casualties both increasing significantly along this frontline.
India and Pakistan fought three wars over Kashmir since becoming independent countries in 1947, and its territory remains an area of contention between them. Most recently, in August 2019, India’s government issued an order revoking Article 370 from their constitution which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir; further fuelling tensions between both nations.
Moscow has taken an impartial stance towards Kashmir, advocating peaceful negotiations as well as offering to mediate as an attempt to consolidate Russia’s role in global geopolitics and assert influence in an area where both America and China hold significant stakes.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed the significance of preventing an escalation in violence in Kashmir, especially given the ongoing military build-up along the LoC. Lavrov highlighted how fragile the situation in Kashmir is and stressed it is crucial that both parties refrain from actions which could escalate conflict further. Lavrov offered his help bringing both parties to a negotiating table to promote peace between all involved.
Pakistan welcomed Russia’s offer, with Prime Minister Imran Khan thanking Moscow for helping resolve the dispute over Kashmir. Pakistan remains committed to finding a peaceful solution in line with international law and Kashmiris’ aspirations for peace, he noted in a statement released Monday evening.
India, however, has yet to officially respond to Russia’s proposal of third-party mediation for Kashmir dispute. While India has long rejected such initiatives as an avenue towards dialogue between both parties. Diplomatic sources indicate that Russia’s offer may provide both parties an opportunity to resume engagement.
Russia’s involvement has long been seen as an opportunity to bring Pakistan and India closer together through peaceful negotiations, so their involvement could act as an impetus towards renewed talks between both countries. Tensions continue between them as observers wait to see whether Russia’s diplomatic efforts lead to meaningful conversations between both nations.