Pakistan’s Solidarity with Qatar Contrasts India’s Tepid

The invasion of Qatar and the immediate solidarity of Pakistan

When Israeli jets attacked Doha on September 11, 2025, the reaction of the countries of the region was telling. Qatar was shaken but without permission, looking to its neighbors and partners for solidarity. Pakistan wasted no time. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and three federal ministers, flew to Doha to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Qatari leadership. Besides, the visit sent a powerful message that Pakistan was not just condemning the aggression in words. Rather, it was supporting them with diplomatic presence and urgency. Similarly, the tone of Islamabad was clear.

The attack was a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, an affront to international law and a violation of the UN Charter. Pakistan did not mince its words and was among the first to call for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

This was not just another supportive statement for Doha. It was a testament to who shows up when the chips are down.

India’s cautious attitude and proximity to Israel

Now compare this scenario with India’s response. New Delhi issued a condemnation, but it was the kind of gentle, carefully measured words that reveal more about what it is trying to avoid saying more than what it means. This was not solidarity for the Qataris and others in the Gulf. It was a heist. Besides, India has a deep economic stake in the Gulf. Millions of people work there. Yet the country’s instinct was to avoid upsetting Israel. Moreover, it is not the first time either. When Israel struck Iranian targets earlier this year, India’s response was equally smooth. Tehran was infuriating. It was a reminder that India’s allegiance does not lean towards Muslim states in the region.

Its foreign policy clearly points to Tel Aviv. It is driven not only by strategic considerations, but also by the deep ideological peace between the current Hindutva-based politics in New Delhi and the hardline establishment in Israel.

In the Gulf, India often sees its relations as transactional. The GCC supplies it with oil, gas and remittances. In return, India maintains cordial relations with these countries. But when regional security is threatened, New Delhi’s real priorities come to the fore. Thus, it will protect its military, technological, and intelligence partnerships with Israel rather than to speak more strongly in favor of Muslim allies. For many in the Gulf it feels like being used and welcome to labor and trade but never trusted as equals.

Trust in the Gulf, Pakistan’s Tradition and the Way Forward

Pakistan’s approach to the Gulf has always been different. Yes, Islamabad has economic and political interests like any other state. But its support for the Gulf countries has been remarkably consistent. If it is defending the sanctity of holy sites, supporting the Palestinian cause, or sending troops to help protect the region, Pakistan has built a track record of standing by its partners. Moreover, even as it struggles with its economic challenges, it does not hesitate to offer moral and diplomatic support. A visit to Qatar fits into this long tradition.

During his meetings in Doha, Shehbaz Sharif not only condemned the attack, but also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to deepen security cooperation with Qatar. He accepted Amir Tamim’s invitation to attend the Arab-Islamic Summit in late September where Pakistan continued to press the case for regional peace and collective defense.

Furthermore, Qatar’s leadership publicly acknowledged and welcomed the show of solidarity. These indicators may not make global headlines, but in the Gulf, they matter a lot.

Hence, the wider path for the Muslim world is simple. Pakistan’s economic strength may not be the same as India’s, but it has shown time and again that it is a sincere partner. Its solidarity comes from a place of shared identity and mutual respect, and not short-term deals.

India, despite its growing presence in the Gulf economies, cannot be trusted when it really matters. For Qatar, this contrast is now etched in memory. Pakistan reached to it in its moment of crisis, attracted international attention and remained steadfast. On contrary, India was careful, where clarification was needed. It chose silence. In a world where diplomatic trust is tested by moments of crisis, Pakistan has strengthened its position as a responsible and rules-based actor. Meanwhile, India has once again reminded the region that it cannot be relied upon to defend Muslim sovereignty or dignity.