DND Special Report
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation Syed Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, in his recent interview with Russian media, rightly indicated that the evolving geopolitical landscape of the 21st century is increasingly defined not merely by military might or economic size, but by diplomatic agility, strategic balance, and the ability to act as a stabilising force in times of crisis. These golden words from a career diplomat and a Harvard alumnus provide a guideline for those who wish to figure out recent developments, particularly in the Middle East and the global role that Pakistan is gearing up to play. Whatever would be the results of Pakistan’s offer for negotiating an almost “unnegotiable” situation will be told by time, but Pakistan’s swift move has brought into sharp focus a striking divergence between the trajectories of Pakistan and its arch rival India, that had been beating drums in the past that New Delhi had thrown Islamabad into ‘diplomatic isolation’.
Today, Pakistan appears to be carving out a role as a credible mediator and emerging global stabiliser, while India is facing mounting challenges in sustaining its diplomatic influence, particularly in West Asia, exposing vulnerabilities in its foreign policy architecture.
It is imperative that students of diplomacy in future would not miss reading about Pakistan’s proactive and balanced diplomatic engagement during one of the most volatile periods in recent Middle Eastern history when tensions escalated into a multi-front conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, when Pakistan stepped forward with a clear and consistent message: de-escalation through dialogue. The significance of this cannot be overstated. In a region deeply polarised by ideological, sectarian, and geopolitical divides, very few countries possess the credibility to communicate effectively with all sides. Pakistan, however, has leveraged its longstanding relationships with the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states to position itself as a bridge-builder.
Pakistan always voices support for global peace, development, and the fight against poverty instead of fighting for blood; this is what Pakistan is again trying to do, and it looks like global capitals are looking towards Pakistan and appreciating Pakistan’s mediation offer. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal to mediate between Washington and Tehran and President Trump’s support for this proposal are not routine diplomatic gestures; they reflect a growing recognition of Pakistan’s utility as an interlocutor capable of facilitating dialogue where direct communication has broken down. Reports suggesting that Islamabad may host a high-level summit involving U.S. and Iranian representatives further reinforce the perception that Pakistan is emerging as a convening power in global diplomacy.
The reported conversation between Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and President Trump, as well as ongoing contacts between Pakistan’s leadership and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, highlight Islamabad’s active role in crisis diplomacy. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s parallel engagements with his Iranian counterpart further demonstrate a coordinated and sustained diplomatic effort. Even as Iran remains cautious due to mistrust, the very fact that Pakistan is being considered a venue and facilitator for such sensitive talks speaks volumes about its growing credibility.
This diplomatic activism is unfolding against the backdrop of an increasingly dangerous regional conflict. Iranian missile strikes across multiple countries, Israeli retaliatory operations, and the expansion of hostilities into Lebanon and Iraq have created a volatile environment with global implications. In such a scenario, the demand for neutral mediators is acute. Pakistan’s ability to maintain open channels with competing blocs while consistently advocating restraint has elevated its status from a regional actor to a potential global stabiliser.
Unlike many states that are firmly anchored within specific geopolitical camps, Pakistan has managed to cultivate relationships across competing axes. Its defence partnership with Saudi Arabia, deepening economic ties with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), re-engaging the Russian Federation, and renewed engagement with the United States collectively illustrate a multidimensional foreign policy. This flexibility enhances Pakistan’s diplomatic leverage in a multipolar world where rigid alignments are increasingly counterproductive.
Equally important is the shift in Pakistan’s diplomatic doctrine following the India-Pakistan confrontation of May 2025. Rather than allowing tensions to spiral, Islamabad adopted a posture of restraint and quickly pivoted toward diplomatic engagement. This approach was noted internationally as a sign of maturity and responsibility, reinforcing Pakistan’s image as a state capable of crisis management. In the months that followed, Pakistan expanded its outreach, engaged on multilateral platforms, and positioned itself as an advocate for dialogue not only in South Asia but beyond.
In contrast, India’s diplomatic trajectory, particularly in the Middle East, reveals a series of structural and strategic challenges. India’s long-standing engagement with the region has been driven primarily by energy security, diaspora considerations, and economic interests. However, recent developments have exposed the limitations of this approach, especially in the context of its relationship with Iran.
India’s heavy dependence on imported energy—over 80% of its crude oil requirements—has historically made the Middle East central to its foreign policy. Iran, in particular, was not only a key energy supplier but also a strategic partner in projects such as the Chabahar Port. However, India’s decision to comply with U.S. sanctions and halt oil imports from Iran marked a turning point, leaving Iran in the middle of troubled waters and even withdrawing from the Chabahar Port project, and this move has had significant diplomatic costs for India. The erosion of India-Iran relations has had both symbolic and practical consequences. On the one hand, it has created a perception of unreliability in Tehran, with some political voices in India itself acknowledging a breakdown of trust. The 25-year China-Iran strategic cooperation agreement has been scrapped by New Delhi, highlighting India’s diminishing footprint in a region it once considered strategically vital.
Energy vulnerability further compounds India’s challenges. While diversification of oil imports has provided some cushion, it has also exposed India to price volatility and geopolitical risks. The absence of Iranian crude, often supplied on favourable terms, has reduced India’s bargaining power in global energy markets. In times of regional instability, such vulnerabilities become even more pronounced, affecting not only economic stability but also strategic autonomy.
India’s broader Middle East policy also reflects the difficulties of balancing relationships in a polarised region. Its deepening ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, alongside participation in frameworks such as I2U2 (Middle Eastern Quad or Western Quad), have yielded economic and technological benefits. However, these alignments require careful calibration to avoid alienating other partners. In the case of Iran, this balance appears to have faltered, resulting in a narrowing of India’s diplomatic space.
Domestic discourse within India has increasingly mirrored these concerns. Prominent publications such as The Hindu and The Indian Express have carried analyses pointing to challenges in India’s neighbourhood and West Asia policies. Critiques from opposition leaders, including those from the Indian National Congress, have questioned the effectiveness of the current foreign policy approach, with some arguing that India is experiencing a form of regional isolation. While such debates are part of a political process, they nonetheless highlight underlying anxieties about India’s global standing.
The comparison with Pakistan becomes particularly striking in this context. While India grapples with managing multiple and sometimes conflicting partnerships, Pakistan has capitalised on its ability to maintain working relationships across divides. Its engagement with both Iran and Gulf states, combined with its ties to major powers like China and the United States, provides it with a degree of diplomatic flexibility that India currently struggles to achieve in certain regions.
Pakistan’s rise, conversely, is not without its own challenges. Sustaining its current diplomatic momentum will require consistent policy execution. Nonetheless, the direction of travel is evident: Pakistan is increasingly being seen as a constructive actor capable of contributing to global stability.
Another dimension of Pakistan’s growing stature is its soft power and international contributions. Its active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance, and counterterrorism cooperation reinforces its image as a responsible stakeholder. In a world where credibility is often built through consistent action rather than rhetoric, these contributions carry significant weight.
Moreover, Pakistan’s emphasis on dialogue, inclusivity, and conflict resolution resonates in a global environment fatigued by prolonged wars and great-power rivalries. As traditional powers are often perceived as contributors to instability, the demand for credible mediators has increased. Pakistan’s ability to fill this gap, even partially, enhances its global relevance.
The unfolding Middle East crisis serves as a critical test case. If Pakistan succeeds in facilitating even limited dialogue or confidence-building measures between adversaries, it will significantly bolster its claim to being a global stabiliser. Conversely, India’s limited role in these developments underscores the challenges it faces in translating its economic and strategic weight into diplomatic influence in specific regions.
The contrasting trajectories of Pakistan and India highlight a broader lesson about modern diplomacy. Power is no longer defined solely by size or strength; it is equally about perception, positioning, and the ability to navigate complexity. Pakistan’s recent diplomatic initiatives suggest a conscious effort to adapt to this reality, leveraging its unique position to act as a bridge in a divided world.
India, on the other hand, looks like a victim of its rising hubris in the recent past, a Pakistan-centric narrow diplomatic approach, and playing out of its turf for a long time.
In conclusion, the current moment represents a significant inflection point. Pakistan’s emergence as a mediator and stabilising force, juxtaposed against India’s diplomatic challenges in key regions, reflects shifting dynamics in global politics. The trends are clear: in an era defined by uncertainty and conflict, those who can build bridges will wield influence. For now, Pakistan appears to be stepping into that role with increasing confidence and recognition.
References
1. Izvestia (2026), Interview with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi
2. The Hindu (2019–2023), Editorials on India-Pakistan diplomacy
3. The Indian Express (2024–2025), Opinion articles on India’s West Asia policy
4. Reuters, BBC News, AP News (2025–2026), Coverage of Middle East conflict
5. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), “Pakistan’s Foreign Relations”
6. Al Jazeera, TRT World (2026), Reports on Pakistan mediation offer
7. Reuters (2026), Diplomatic sources on potential U.S.-Iran talks
8. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan (2026), Official statements
9. Tasnim News Agency (Iran), Statements on negotiations
10. BBC, Reuters (2025–2026), Regional escalation reports
11. Carnegie Endowment, CFR, South Asia analyses
12. International Crisis Group (2025), South Asia briefings
13. Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India Middle East policy papers
14. International Energy Agency (IEA), India energy profile
15. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA); The Hindu analysis
16. South China Morning Post (SCMP), China-Iran cooperation analysis
17. IEA Reports on global oil markets
18. ORF, policy briefs on I2U2 framework
19. The Hindu, Indian Express, Indian National Congress statements
20. CFR, Carnegie reports on regional diplomacy
21. United Nations Peacekeeping data; Global Terrorism Index
22. Chatham House, global order and conflict resolution reports
23. Indian Express, ORF strategic commentary
Note: AI help was taken to ensure proper references
