In an India-Pakistan War, Which Countries Will Back India and Which Will Back Pakistan?
Nidhi | May 08, 2025, 17:18 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
The recent military escalation between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack has raised global concerns about a possible war. In this in-depth article, we explore which countries are most likely to support India and which might align with Pakistan—based on historical ties, defense pacts, and strategic interests. With alliances shifting rapidly in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East, the stakes are higher than ever, and this analysis helps decode the global chessboard if conflict breaks out.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a critical high following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which five armed militants opened fire on a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 civilians and injuring 20 others. The attackers, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, reportedly targeted non-Muslim tourists, demanding they recite Islamic verses before opening fire.
In direct retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025—a precision military strike targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation focused on neutralizing infrastructure linked to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, with strikes conducted in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Bahawalpur, and Muridke.
Soon after, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on Indian military bases in Adampur, Bhatinda, and Chandigarh, all of which were intercepted by Indian air defences. India retaliated again, targeting Pakistani air defence systems, including one near Lahore.
As military exchanges continue, the world is watching:
If war breaks out, which countries will back India—and which will back Pakistan?
1. United States
The relationship between the United States and India has evolved significantly over the past few decades. While the U.S. once had closer ties with Pakistan during the Cold War, particularly due to its role in the Afghanistan conflict, the strategic importance of India in the Indo-Pacific region has made India a key partner for the U.S. today. The U.S. and India share a commitment to democratic values, counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability.
Reason for Support: The U.S. views India as a vital counterbalance to China's growing influence in Asia. Support for India would align with American interests in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and in countering global terrorism.
2. Russia
Russia and India have had a deep-rooted relationship since the Soviet era. While Russia has maintained friendly relations with Pakistan as well, its bond with India is built on decades of defense cooperation, particularly with the supply of military technology, including fighter jets and nuclear equipment.
Reason for Support: Russia values India as a strategic partner and sees Pakistan as more closely aligned with China. Additionally, Russia has often backed India in the United Nations Security Council.
3. Israel
Israel and India share strong defense and intelligence ties. Their cooperation in the fields of counterterrorism, military technology, and cyber defense has only deepened over the years. Israel has also become one of India's largest defense suppliers, particularly in areas like drones, missiles, and surveillance equipment.
Reason for Support: Israel views India as a key partner in the fight against terrorism, particularly Islamist militancy, which is a mutual concern for both nations.
4. France
France has been one of India’s most steadfast allies, particularly in the realm of defense. France has supplied India with advanced military technology, including the Rafale fighter jets, and the two nations share similar democratic values, along with common security concerns in the Indian Ocean region.
Reason for Support: France’s support for India would stem from their strong defense ties, democratic alignment, and common interests in maintaining regional stability in the face of growing Chinese influence.
5. Australia & Japan
Australia and Japan, both of which have significant strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, have increasingly aligned themselves with India in recent years. The countries are part of the Quad, a strategic partnership with the United States aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Reason for Support: These nations view India as a key player in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially with regard to China’s growing military presence.
1. China
China has long been Pakistan’s most reliable ally. The two countries share strategic interests, particularly in countering India’s growing influence in the region. China has been a significant supplier of military technology to Pakistan, including missiles, fighter jets, and naval equipment. Additionally, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a vast infrastructure project, has further deepened their economic and political ties.
Reason for Support: China sees Pakistan as a key ally in countering Indian influence and maintaining its strategic foothold in South Asia. Supporting Pakistan would help China secure its interests in the region, particularly as it seeks to contain India’s growing power.
2. Saudi Arabia & Gulf States
Pakistan has strong ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, based on religious, cultural, and economic ties. Saudi Arabia has been a long-time economic benefactor to Pakistan, and both countries have collaborated closely in regional security matters. Additionally, Pakistan has been an important partner in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Reason for Support: Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states view Pakistan as a close ally in the Muslim world. Religious solidarity, economic assistance, and security cooperation would likely lead these countries to support Pakistan in the event of a war with India.
3. Turkey
Turkey’s relationship with Pakistan has grown closer in recent years, particularly under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been vocal in his support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. Turkey and Pakistan share a commitment to defending Muslim-majority nations, and Turkey has repeatedly called attention to human rights issues in Kashmir.
Reason for Support: Turkey’s support for Pakistan is driven by both religious solidarity and its geopolitical desire to strengthen ties with Muslim-majority nations in the region. Supporting Pakistan also aligns with Turkey’s broader ambition to assert its leadership in the Muslim world.
4. Iran
Although Iran’s relationship with Pakistan has been somewhat complex at times, the two countries have historically had close ties, particularly in terms of regional security. Iran is likely to support Pakistan in a conflict with India due to shared security concerns, such as countering Islamic extremism and limiting India’s growing influence in the region.
Reason for Support: Iran’s support for Pakistan would be motivated by regional security interests, particularly as Iran and India have not always shared the same political alignment. Iran’s ties to Pakistan’s military and its opposition to Indian influence would likely draw it to Pakistan’s side.
1. United Kingdom
The UK, with its colonial past in both India and Pakistan, has strong ties to both countries. However, the UK would likely maintain a neutral stance, focusing on diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Despite its neutral position, the UK may lean slightly toward India due to the strong economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties that have developed over the years.
2. United Nations & European Union
The United Nations and the European Union would likely push for diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolution rather than take sides in an India-Pakistan conflict. However, individual EU members may lean toward India, given shared democratic values and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. The global response to an India-Pakistan war would be shaped by a delicate web of historical relationships, strategic considerations, and regional security interests. India would likely find support from the United States, Russia, Israel, France, and countries like Australia and Japan, who share common interests in countering China and promoting regional stability. On the other hand, Pakistan would have strong backing from China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran, who are motivated by geopolitical, religious, and security concerns.
In the end, the global response would not only depend on existing alliances but also on how the international community perceives the evolving balance of power in South Asia. With both countries possessing nuclear weapons, the stakes for international diplomacy and conflict resolution would be higher than ever.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
In direct retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025—a precision military strike targeting nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation focused on neutralizing infrastructure linked to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, with strikes conducted in Kotli, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Bahawalpur, and Muridke.
Soon after, Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on Indian military bases in Adampur, Bhatinda, and Chandigarh, all of which were intercepted by Indian air defences. India retaliated again, targeting Pakistani air defence systems, including one near Lahore.
As military exchanges continue, the world is watching:
If war breaks out, which countries will back India—and which will back Pakistan?
Countries Likely to Support India
Donald Trump and Narendra Modi
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
1. United States
The relationship between the United States and India has evolved significantly over the past few decades. While the U.S. once had closer ties with Pakistan during the Cold War, particularly due to its role in the Afghanistan conflict, the strategic importance of India in the Indo-Pacific region has made India a key partner for the U.S. today. The U.S. and India share a commitment to democratic values, counterterrorism efforts, and regional stability.
Reason for Support: The U.S. views India as a vital counterbalance to China's growing influence in Asia. Support for India would align with American interests in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific and in countering global terrorism.
2. Russia
Russia and India have had a deep-rooted relationship since the Soviet era. While Russia has maintained friendly relations with Pakistan as well, its bond with India is built on decades of defense cooperation, particularly with the supply of military technology, including fighter jets and nuclear equipment.
Reason for Support: Russia values India as a strategic partner and sees Pakistan as more closely aligned with China. Additionally, Russia has often backed India in the United Nations Security Council.
3. Israel
Israel and India share strong defense and intelligence ties. Their cooperation in the fields of counterterrorism, military technology, and cyber defense has only deepened over the years. Israel has also become one of India's largest defense suppliers, particularly in areas like drones, missiles, and surveillance equipment.
Reason for Support: Israel views India as a key partner in the fight against terrorism, particularly Islamist militancy, which is a mutual concern for both nations.
4. France
France has been one of India’s most steadfast allies, particularly in the realm of defense. France has supplied India with advanced military technology, including the Rafale fighter jets, and the two nations share similar democratic values, along with common security concerns in the Indian Ocean region.
Reason for Support: France’s support for India would stem from their strong defense ties, democratic alignment, and common interests in maintaining regional stability in the face of growing Chinese influence.
5. Australia & Japan
Australia and Japan, both of which have significant strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region, have increasingly aligned themselves with India in recent years. The countries are part of the Quad, a strategic partnership with the United States aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Reason for Support: These nations view India as a key player in maintaining peace and stability in the region, especially with regard to China’s growing military presence.
Countries Likely to Support Pakistan
US, Pak and India
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
1. China
China has long been Pakistan’s most reliable ally. The two countries share strategic interests, particularly in countering India’s growing influence in the region. China has been a significant supplier of military technology to Pakistan, including missiles, fighter jets, and naval equipment. Additionally, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a vast infrastructure project, has further deepened their economic and political ties.
China and Pak
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Reason for Support: China sees Pakistan as a key ally in countering Indian influence and maintaining its strategic foothold in South Asia. Supporting Pakistan would help China secure its interests in the region, particularly as it seeks to contain India’s growing power.
2. Saudi Arabia & Gulf States
Pakistan has strong ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, based on religious, cultural, and economic ties. Saudi Arabia has been a long-time economic benefactor to Pakistan, and both countries have collaborated closely in regional security matters. Additionally, Pakistan has been an important partner in the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Reason for Support: Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states view Pakistan as a close ally in the Muslim world. Religious solidarity, economic assistance, and security cooperation would likely lead these countries to support Pakistan in the event of a war with India.
3. Turkey
Turkey’s relationship with Pakistan has grown closer in recent years, particularly under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has been vocal in his support for Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. Turkey and Pakistan share a commitment to defending Muslim-majority nations, and Turkey has repeatedly called attention to human rights issues in Kashmir.
Reason for Support: Turkey’s support for Pakistan is driven by both religious solidarity and its geopolitical desire to strengthen ties with Muslim-majority nations in the region. Supporting Pakistan also aligns with Turkey’s broader ambition to assert its leadership in the Muslim world.
4. Iran
Although Iran’s relationship with Pakistan has been somewhat complex at times, the two countries have historically had close ties, particularly in terms of regional security. Iran is likely to support Pakistan in a conflict with India due to shared security concerns, such as countering Islamic extremism and limiting India’s growing influence in the region.
Reason for Support: Iran’s support for Pakistan would be motivated by regional security interests, particularly as Iran and India have not always shared the same political alignment. Iran’s ties to Pakistan’s military and its opposition to Indian influence would likely draw it to Pakistan’s side.
Neutral or Ambiguous Support
The UK, with its colonial past in both India and Pakistan, has strong ties to both countries. However, the UK would likely maintain a neutral stance, focusing on diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Despite its neutral position, the UK may lean slightly toward India due to the strong economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties that have developed over the years.
2. United Nations & European Union
The United Nations and the European Union would likely push for diplomatic dialogue and peaceful resolution rather than take sides in an India-Pakistan conflict. However, individual EU members may lean toward India, given shared democratic values and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
A Complex Web of Alliances
In the end, the global response would not only depend on existing alliances but also on how the international community perceives the evolving balance of power in South Asia. With both countries possessing nuclear weapons, the stakes for international diplomacy and conflict resolution would be higher than ever.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!