Iran President Raisi Avoids Backing Pakistan PM's Kashmir Stance During Visit

During Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's three-day visit to Pakistan from April 22-24, 2024, the two countries issued a joint statement addressing the Kashmir issue. The statement emphasized the significance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted the need to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful means based on the will of the people of the region, in accordance with international law.

However, during the joint press conference, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the Kashmir issue and thanked Iran for its stance, President Raisi refrained from mentioning Kashmir. Instead, he talked about Iran's support for those fighting against oppression, particularly in Palestine, creating an impression that he had snubbed the Pakistani leader's desire to address the Kashmir issue.

President Raisi's visit to Islamabad for discussions with Prime Minister Sharif aimed to strengthen bilateral ties. The two countries reiterated their resolve to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion over the next five years and expeditiously finalize a free trade agreement. They also agreed to cooperate in the energy domain, including trade in electricity, power transmission lines, and the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.

Both sides stressed the importance of a long-term, durable economic partnership and a collaborative regional economic and connectivity model, particularly for socio-economic development in the border provinces. The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in combating threats such as terrorism, narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, and money laundering.

Why this matters: President Raisi's refusal to directly address the Kashmir issue during his Pakistan visit underscores the complexities of regional politics, where countries navigate various interests and alliances while maintaining diplomatic ties with multiple actors. It reflects Iran's delicate balancing act in its regional diplomacy, as it seeks to maintain friendly relations with both India and Pakistan.

The joint statement issued by Pakistan and Iran "stressed the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted the need to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful means based on the will of the people of the region, in accordance with international law." However, President Raisi's avoidance of the Kashmir issue during the press conference, despite Prime Minister Sharif's attempts to draw parallels with Iran's stance on Palestine, indicates Iran's cautious approach in engaging with the sensitive matter while focusing on strengthening bilateral economic and security cooperation with Pakistan.

Key Takeaways

• Iran, Pakistan issue joint statement on peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.
• Raisi avoids mentioning Kashmir, focuses on Iran's support for Palestine instead.
• Iran, Pakistan agree to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion in 5 years.
• Countries to cooperate on energy, counter-terrorism, and regional connectivity.
• Raisi's stance reflects Iran's delicate balancing act in regional diplomacy.