Saudi Arabia vows to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia vowed to de-escalate rising tensions between Pakistan and India during a high-profile summit in Islamabad Monday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prepares to travel from Islamabad to New Delhi.

The kingdom´s foreign minister spoke at a press conference in Islamabad as Pakistan recalled its envoy from Delhi for consultations, the latest development in a fresh diplomatic crisis between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Delhi has vowed to retaliate after a suicide blast which killed 41 Indian paramilitaries in Indian-held Kashmir on Thursday, the deadliest attack in the disputed Himalayan region in decades.

"Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully," said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.

Following the pledge, the crown prince held a series of meetings Monday afternoon with the Pakistani leadership before flying on to India.

A militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for Thursday´s attack and the vehicle was reportedly driven by a local youth.

India is garnering diplomatic support after the attack and has vowed to "isolate" Pakistan in the international community, saying it has "incontrovertible evidence" of Islamabad´s role.

Pakistan has rejected the allegations.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a long alliance dating back to the founding of the Islamic republic.