Iran’s Delicate Diplomacy: President Raisi’s Visit to Pakistan and the Kashmir Issue

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit to Islamabad on Monday, April 22, 2024, and discussed strengthening bilateral ties. However, the Pakistan PM’s attempt to secure Ebrahim Raisi’s support on Kashmir during their joint press conference failed. The Iran President’s refusal to engage with the topic indicates Iran’s delicate balancing act as the country pursues cordial relations with India. Recent talks between India and Iran on Palestine, besides diplomatic and trade ties, underscored this.

Iran President Raisi arrived in Islamabad Monday for a three-day visit. During their joint press conference, Shehbaz Sharif sought to link Iran’s stance on the situation in Gaza with that in Kashmir. Thanking President Raisi, he said, “I thank you and the people of Iran for raising your voice for Kashmir.”

However, Raisi did not acknowledge the comment and refrained from bringing it up during his speech, instead focusing on Iran’s support for those fighting against oppression, especially in Palestine.

His silence was a snub to Mr Sharif, who failed to secure Iran’s support on the India-Pakistan dispute.

Last year, the Indian Embassy pointed out that Iran and India share a long history of meaningful relations. A press statement by the Indian Embassy in Tehran said: “India and Iran share a millennia-long history of interactions. The contemporary relationship draws upon the strength of these historical and civilizational ties. It continues to grow further marked by high-level exchanges, commercial and connectivity cooperation, cultural and robust people-to-people ties.” The note also detailed bilateral relations and high-level visits between the two nations.