UAE: Sheikh Abdullah Urges Restraint Between India and Pakistan, Calls for Avoiding Military Escalation
5 May 2025 — Abu Dhabi / Islamabad / New Delhi:
As tensions between India and Pakistan intensify following a series of military confrontations, the United Arab Emirates has stepped in with a diplomatic appeal. UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further military escalation.
In an official statement released by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah expressed deep concern over the growing conflict along the Line of Control (LoC), including reported missile attacks, downed aircraft, and strikes on civilian and strategic infrastructure.
“The United Arab Emirates is closely monitoring the developments between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. We urge both sides to de-escalate tensions immediately and prioritize diplomatic dialogue over military confrontation,” the statement read.
Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the UAE stands ready to support efforts for peaceful resolution and welcomed any dialogue that would promote regional peace and stability.
Regional Stability at Risk
The UAE’s appeal comes amid reports that Pakistan has shot down multiple Indian jets and that India had earlier targeted a key hydropower project in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The ongoing skirmishes have raised fears of a wider conflict between two nuclear-armed states, prompting reactions from global leaders and international organizations.
The United Nations and several other nations, including the United States and China, have also echoed similar calls for calm, restraint, and responsible leadership on both sides.
History of Mediation
The UAE has historically played a quiet but strategic diplomatic role in South Asian affairs. In 2019, the Emirates reportedly helped facilitate backchannel communications between India and Pakistan during a prior period of heightened tension.
As the situation remains fragile, Sheikh Abdullah’s remarks are seen as part of a broader push by the international community to prevent the crisis from spiraling out of control.
This is a developing story. More updates will follow.
