RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, April 26, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Saudi Arabia is trying to defuse tensions between India and Pakistan, after a deadly attack in the disputed Kashmir region, a senior Saudi official told AFP on Friday.

Twenty-six male tourists were killed in Tuesday's attack in Pahalgam, prompting tit-for-tat retaliatory measures by the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

New Delhi blames Islamabad for the attack. Pakistan has denied any role.

Troops exchanged fire across the Line of Control in Kashmir, prompting the United Nations to urge both sides to show "maximum restraint".

"The Kingdom is undertaking efforts to prevent an escalation between India and Pakistan," the senior Saudi official said, on condition of anonymity.

"The two countries are allies of Saudi Arabia and we do not want the situation to get out of control."

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has held separate phone calls with his Indian and Pakistani counterparts, his office said on Friday.

During the discussions, he "reviewed developments in the situation and efforts made to ease tensions", it added.

Kashmir was divided between India and Pakistan at independence in 1947. Both claim sovereignty over the entire territory.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia when Tuesday's attack happened, forcing him to cut short his trip and return home.

Saudi Arabia is trying to play a mediation role on a number of fronts.

In February, it hosted talks between US and Russian officials aimed at reviving relations, which plunged to a low point after Russia sent troops into Ukraine.

Riyadh has also hosted talks on the war in Sudan and the border dispute between Lebanon and Syria.