Muslim nations pick pragmatism over partisanship in India-Pakistan standoff

In the aftermath of the horrific Pahalgam massacre that claimed 26 lives, India and Pakistan find themselves locked in rising hostilities. Yet, the global reaction—especially from Muslim-majority nations—reflects a marked shift toward pragmatism over religious solidarity.

Despite shared religious ties, most Islamic countries are choosing economic and geopolitical interests over siding with Pakistan. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have avoided overt support, placing greater value on trade and regional balance. Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiative, sees India as vital to its diversified economic future and has remained notably silent on Kashmir. Qatar, too, has adopted a neutral posture, guided by its policy of non-alignment and economic prioritization.

The UAE, while critical of India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, has avoided backing Pakistan outright. Its robust $85 billion trade relationship with India and reliance on Indian labor have steered it toward a calibrated, non-confrontational response.

Iran, seeking to be a stabilizing force, has offered to mediate and emphasized its neutrality. Iran’s focus on projects like Chabahar port, and its growing economic links with India, underpin its balanced diplomacy.

Even Turkey, a consistent supporter of Pakistan on Kashmir, is treading carefully. With $10 billion in trade at stake, Ankara has limited itself to cautious diplomatic statements and clarified it is not arming Pakistan—an indicator of its intent to protect bilateral ties with India.

The Islamic world, it seems, is rewriting its foreign policy script—with realism, not religion, in the lead.

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