UPDATE - Arab countries urge India, Pakistan to de-escalate amid heightened tensions

UPDATES WITH MORE COUNTRIES, REVISED DECK, LEDE

By Betul Yilmaz and Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) – Several Arab nations on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, urging both nuclear-armed neighbors to exercise restraint and resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.

Their separate statements followed a deadly shooting attack in India-administered Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 people and injured others.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement expressed the kingdom’s concern over the heightened tensions and cross-border fire between New Delhi and Islamabad.

It called on both countries to reduce tensions, avoid escalation, resolve disputes through diplomatic means, uphold the principles of good-neighborliness, and work to maintain stability and peace for the welfare of their people and the peoples of the region.

Kuwait's Foreign Ministry echoed the sentiment, expressing its commitment to diplomacy and urging both countries to follow international law and avoid escalating actions.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also called for de-escalation, stressing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution. Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah reiterated Amman’s support for diplomatic efforts to achieve regional peace and security.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for both countries to demonstrate "the highest levels of restraint" and warned against retaliatory measures that could exacerbate the crisis. It stressed direct dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation.

New Delhi claimed that the “terror attack” had “cross-border” links, blaming Pakistan.

Islamabad, however, has distanced itself from the attack, expressing “concern” and offering to cooperate with an independent inquiry into the attack.

In an escalation of their tension, India suspended a decades-long water-sharing agreement, the Indus Waters Treaty, a move condemned by Islamabad. The two countries have also shut border crossings and further downgraded diplomatic ties.