Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has called on India and Pakistan to resolve their differences bilaterally through political and diplomatic channels.
Telephone Conversation of Lavrov with S Jaishankar
During a telephone conversation with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on May 2, Lavrov spoke about bilateral relations between Russia and India as well as the recent escalation in tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad following the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 dead.
Lavrov Advocates for Bilateral Diplomatic Resolution
“They discussed issues of Russian-Indian cooperation and the aggravation of Indian-Pakistani relations following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Sergey Lavrov called for settling disagreements between New Delhi and Islamabad on a bilateral basis by political and diplomatic means per the provisions of the Simla Agreement of 1972 and the Lahore Declaration of 1999,” a release issued by the ministry of foreign affairs of the Russian Federation said, according to ANI.
“The ministers also discussed the schedule of upcoming contacts at the highest levels,” it added.
After the terror attack, India initiated a series of steps in response to Pakistan’s patronage of cross-border terrorism. These were suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, shutting down the Integrated Check Post at Attari, and diluting the staffing of High Commissions.
India’s Measures Against Pakistan Following the Attack
The Indian government also revoked all categories of visas issued to Pakistani citizens and asked them to depart by April 30. India also shut down its airspace for Pakistan Airlines-operated flights.
Pakistan retaliated by suspending all trade with India, including to and from any third nation via Pakistan, and prohibited Indian airlines from using its airspace. Pakistani troops have also been breaching ceasefire along the border for the eighth straight day, indulging in small arms fire along the LoC in five districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Modi’s Statement on National Resolve
During a crucial security meeting on April 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the security forces have complete operational freedom to decide the mode, the targets, and the timing of India’s retaliation to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
“It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism,” Modi said, according to sources in the government.
