UN Chief Urges Calm Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday expressed grave concern over the growing tension between India and Pakistan following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists.
Calling the situation “the most strained in years,” Guterres stated, “It pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point. A military solution is no solution.” He urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any steps that could lead to escalation.
UN Condemns Kashmir Terror Attack
Guterres strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that targeting civilians is inexcusable and those responsible must face justice. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism should never compromise civilian safety or lead to a breakdown of diplomacy in the region.
UN Offers to Mediate Between India and Pakistan
The Secretary-General also extended the UN’s support to facilitate peaceful dialogue. “We are ready to offer our good offices to both India and Pakistan to reduce tensions and return to constructive engagement,” he said.
The UN has long advocated for diplomatic resolution of disputes between the two South Asian nuclear powers, especially concerning Kashmir, which has remained a flashpoint for decades.
India Recalls UN Representative in Diplomatic Protest
In a significant diplomatic move, India has recalled its Permanent Representative to the United Nations for consultations following what New Delhi described as “biased and one-sided narratives” emerging from international quarters.
According to officials, India expressed its displeasure with certain discussions within the UN and has sought to brief its envoy on India’s current position, especially after Pakistan pushed for a closed-door UN Security Council meeting over Kashmir.
This move underlines India’s firm stance and growing concern about internationalization of what it considers a bilateral matter.
UN Security Council Holds Closed-Door Meeting
Guterres’ remarks were made ahead of a closed-door United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session, initiated by Pakistan to address what it calls Indian aggression in Kashmir. While the details of the discussion remain confidential, diplomatic sources report calls for calm and a push for dialogue from several members.
Global Community Urges Restraint and Peace
The global community, including the United States, European Union, and China, has echoed similar concerns, urging both India and Pakistan to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict.
Both countries have taken reciprocal measures, including military movements, suspension of bilateral trade, and hardened rhetoric, fueling fears of a wider regional crisis.
