India Could Have Done More to De-Escalate US–Iran Tensions: CM’s Advisor | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Senior National Conference leader and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday said Pakistan had played a role in easing tensions in West Asia, while asserting that India’s ties with Israel had limited New Delhi’s ability to take a similar initiative.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Wani said Islamabad had done a “great job” during the recent conflict by helping prevent escalation between Iran and the United States.

“First of all, we should have done it because it was a role expected of our country. We were considered a non-aligned country, but now we have been left behind. Our relationship with Israel has become a reason for us not to take this step,” he said.

He said it was positive that efforts were made to avoid a larger conflict. “It is a good thing that someone has taken the initiative to save both countries from nuclear war,” he added.

Responding to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks, Wani described Pakistan’s narrative as “misleading”, but said mediation by third countries was a common feature of global diplomacy.

“This is his own opinion, but there are questions for the rest of us as well. Pakistan has done a role in this regard, and many others have also mediated. Qatar has done it many times. In world foreign policy, when there is a conflict, a third country steps in for dialogue,” he said. (KNS).