What Countries Are Backing Pakistan in the India-Pakistan War?

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, the international community's stance becomes crucial. While China’s support for Pakistan is well-documented, the question remains: Who else is backing Pakistan in this conflict? This article explores the countries that are supporting Pakistan, both overtly and behind the scenes, and provides context on why these alliances exist, based on historical relationships and current geopolitical dynamics. China has been Pakistan's most consistent ally, offering diplomatic, economic, and military support.

China has repeatedly voiced support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, particularly regarding the Kashmir issue, at international forums like the United Nations. It has emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, aligning with Pakistan's stance on the disputed region.

China supplies Pakistan with a range of military equipment, including:

China’s backing is also driven by its economic investments in Pakistan, most notably through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). With India’s opposition to this project, China sees Pakistan as a key partner in its broader regional strategy.

Bottom Line: China’s support for Pakistan remains strong, but its relationship with India, particularly on economic and border issues, complicates the broader geopolitical landscape. Turkey has become one of Pakistan’s vocal supporters in recent years, particularly under President Erdoğan.

Turkey has raised Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue at international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This support aligns with Turkey's broader policy of positioning itself as a leader of the Muslim world.

While not as extensive as China’s, Turkey has provided military aid, including naval vessels and defense technologies. Both countries also engage in joint military exercises.

Bottom Line: Turkey’s support is largely diplomatic and based on shared regional interests, though its influence in the conflict is more rhetorical than practical. Saudi Arabia has historically been one of Pakistan’s most important partners, particularly in terms of financial aid.

Saudi Arabia has provided significant financial assistance to Pakistan, including loans and deferred oil payments. In return, Pakistan has supplied Saudi Arabia with manpower, especially for its defense and security sectors.

Despite this longstanding relationship, Saudi Arabia has become more cautious in its support of Pakistan due to growing ties with India. Saudi Arabia now maintains a more neutral stance in the conflict, balancing its ties with both nations.

Bottom Line: Saudi Arabia’s support is largely economic, though its diplomatic stance has become more neutral due to its broader regional interests. Qatar maintains a discreet but supportive relationship with Pakistan, focusing mainly on diplomatic and economic ties.

Bottom Line: Qatar’s support is more economic and diplomatic than military but remains a key partner in the region.

Iran shares a historically complicated relationship with Pakistan, balancing cooperation and rivalry based on shared interests and regional tensions.

Bottom Line: Iran’s support for Pakistan is not overt but is shaped by regional security dynamics and the desire to balance its ties with both India and Pakistan. Afghanistan, under Taliban control, has historically had strong ties with Pakistan, particularly through shared security interests.

Bottom Line: The Taliban’s support for Pakistan is more of a passive alliance based on shared security concerns rather than active military backing. Pakistan’s support in the ongoing India-Pakistan war comes from a combination of longstanding strategic alliances, economic partnerships, and diplomatic ties. China stands out as Pakistan’s primary ally, offering significant military, economic, and political backing. Turkey provides vocal diplomatic support, while countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar offer economic assistance and maintain favorable relationships.

However, many of Pakistan’s allies walk a fine line. Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for example, must balance their support for Pakistan with their growing ties to India. Iran’s support remains cautious, and the U.S. and EU generally advocate for peace and restraint rather than backing one side over the other.

As the situation develops, the dynamics of these alliances will continue to evolve, with global powers weighing their strategic interests in a region fraught with historical tensions.

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