India Looks on Warily as Pakistan Hailed by World as Peacemaker
Pakistan gains praise as peacemaker in US-Iran tensions. India views this warily amid its efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically. Recent global events have shifted perceptions, highlighting Pakistan’s mediation role.
Pakistan’s Mediation Efforts
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir played key roles in back-channel talks between the US and Iran, helping secure a ceasefire in the US-Israel conflict with Tehran. President Donald Trump credited them publicly for pausing bombings, while US officials like Rep. Ryan Zinke praised Pakistan for advancing Trump’s 15-point Middle East peace plan. Allies including Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and China support Islamabad’s position, leveraging its ties with both Washington and Tehran.
India’s Wary Reaction
New Delhi has long portrayed Pakistan as a terrorism sponsor post a brief 2025 armed conflict, but this narrative struggles internationally. Indian media and politicians blame PM Narendra Modi’s policies for sidelining India in mediation, contrasting Pakistan’s credibility with India’s perceived US-Israel alignment and sanction concerns over Iran. This exclusion impacts projects like Chabahar Port and exposes limits in India’s regional diplomacy.
Broader Implications
Pakistan’s dual relationships boost its diplomatic leverage in West Asia, forming a new middle-power bloc with Turkey and Egypt. India faces strategic setbacks, questioning its “isolate Pakistan” approach and global peacemaker image. Tensions persist, with India cautious of Pakistan’s intentions despite the praise.
