Thu May 08 06:25:44 UTC 2025: **India Hosts Saudi and Iranian Officials Amidst Heightened Tensions with Pakistan**

NEW DELHI (May 8, 2025) – Amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, India has engaged in high-level diplomatic talks with both Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, made a surprise visit to New Delhi on May 7th, meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss India’s counter-terrorism strategy. Mr. Jaishankar also is scheduled to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi later today.

Mr. Araghchi, who visited Pakistan earlier this week, has called for dialogue between India and Pakistan to de-escalate the situation. The April 22nd attack resulted in 26 deaths and numerous injuries. Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, and has briefed several foreign envoys, including those from Saudi Arabia, on its findings. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister also spoke with his Saudi counterpart after India’s assurances of action.

While unconfirmed reports suggest cross-border shelling between India and Pakistan, Indian officials have attributed sounds heard in Amritsar to a military drill. However, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that a Pakistani ceasefire violation in Poonch resulted in 13 Indian deaths and 59 injuries. The escalating situation has prompted international concern and high-level diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.

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