Russia Offers Mediation After Deadly Kashmir Attack

Russia has offered to mediate between India and Pakistan following a terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 people and raised fears of military conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with both his Indian and Pakistani counterparts, urging them to resolve differences diplomatically and referencing the 1972 Simla Agreement and 1999 Lahore Declaration. Russia emphasizes bilateralism and supports upholding previous accords, even as Pakistan threatens to suspend the Simla Agreement and India demands accountability for the attack's perpetrators. Global actors such as the US and EU have also called for restraint and renewed dialogue. Russia, despite historic ties with India, signals readiness to facilitate a political settlement if both parties agree. The diplomatic moves come as Pakistan seeks international backing and India presses for cross-border accountability.