Russia Urges India-Pakistan Talks After Operation Sindoor, Ceasefire on May 10, Following Pahalgam Attack

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for the normalization of relations between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue and greater mutual trust between the two countries. During a meeting in Moscow, Syed Tariq Fatemi, special assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, delivered a letter from Sharif to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting Russia's assistance in resolving tensions with India.

The diplomatic outreach follows heightened hostilities after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, including one Nepali national. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan responded with retaliatory strikes, and both sides exchanged missiles, drones, and artillery fire.

A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10 after talks between the directors general of military operations of both countries. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has claimed a central role in brokering the ceasefire, a claim echoed by the Kremlin following a phone call between Trump and Putin. Indian officials have denied any formal third-party mediation, stating the ceasefire resulted from direct talks.

Pakistan has expressed openness to diplomatic initiatives from any neutral party, including Russia, the US, the EU, or the UN, to facilitate dialogue with India. Russia has reiterated its support for normalization and regional stability, encouraged direct talks, and offered to expand counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan, particularly within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty and ongoing uncertainty over the Asia Cup cricket tournament have also featured in recent discussions.