Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Islamabad for discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted efforts to strengthen bilateral ties. However, despite Pakistan's attempts to garner support on the Kashmir issue during their joint press conference, President Raisi refrained from engaging with the topic. This indicates Iran's cautious approach in maintaining friendly relations with both India and Pakistan. 

The refusal of President Raisi to address the Kashmir issue directly underscores Iran's delicate balancing act in its regional diplomacy. Recent engagements between India and Iran regarding Palestine, along with ongoing diplomatic and trade relations, further underscore Iran's nuanced approach to regional affairs. 

During the press conference, Prime Minister Sharif's attempt to draw parallels between Iran's stance on Gaza and Kashmir did not yield the desired response from President Raisi. While expressing gratitude for Iran's support on Kashmir, Sharif's efforts to elicit direct endorsement from President Raisi were not successful. 

President Raisi's visit to Islamabad and the subsequent press conference reflect the complexities of regional politics, where countries navigate various interests and alliances while maintaining diplomatic ties with multiple actors. Iran's cautious approach underscores its commitment to balancing its relationships in the volatile South Asian region. 

During his speech, President Raisi chose not to acknowledge the comment made by Prime Minister Sharif regarding Kashmir. Instead, he emphasised Iran's steadfast support for those combating oppression, particularly in Palestine. By steering the conversation towards Palestine, President Raisi deftly avoided addressing the specific issue of Kashmir, thereby maintaining Iran's diplomatic stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries while reaffirming its solidarity with oppressed communities globally. This strategic move underlines Iran's commitment to navigating regional dynamics carefully, balancing its relationships with India and Pakistan while advocating for its own foreign policy priorities. 

Iran's President Raisi's silence during the joint press conference was interpreted as a rebuff to Prime Minister Sharif's attempt to garner Iran's support on the India-Pakistan dispute. 

Last year, the Indian Embassy in Tehran highlighted the enduring and deep-rooted relations between India and Iran. In a press statement, the embassy emphasised the longstanding historical and cultural connections between the two countries, which form the foundation of their modern-day relationship. The statement underscored the ongoing growth of bilateral ties, marked by frequent high-level exchanges, cooperation in trade and connectivity, as well as robust cultural and people-to-people interactions. 

The state visit of Iran's President Raisi to Pakistan is significant, especially in the context of recent tensions and retaliatory strikes between the two nations. It signifies a proactive approach by both Iran and Pakistan to mend their strained relations and foster mutual cooperation. President Raisi's visit holds particular importance as he is the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan following its controversial general elections on February 8. Given Iran's bilateral ties with both India and Pakistan, maintaining a neutral stance on sensitive issues like Kashmir remains crucial for regional stability. 

Image Source: IDRW