United Nations:
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, expressed his concerns on Monday regarding the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, stating that they are “at their highest in years”. He emphasized the need for “maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink” and highlighted that a military solution is not the answer.
Guterres offered his assistance to both governments in the pursuit of peace, stating that the United Nations is ready to support any initiatives that promote de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace.
His comments came ahead of closed consultations at the UN Security Council on the India-Pakistan tensions, with Islamabad requesting an emergency meeting.
Guterres acknowledged the significant contributions of both countries to the United Nations and expressed his sadness at the current state of relations between them, urging for a peaceful resolution.
He condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and stressed the importance of avoiding a military confrontation that could spiral out of control.
Following the attack, India took several punitive measures against Pakistan, leading to a further deterioration of relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed India’s commitment to taking strong action against terrorism and informed the armed forces of their operational freedom in responding to the attack.
Amid escalating tensions, Pakistan requested closed consultations on the situation at the Security Council, which is scheduled to take place on May 5.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with Council members to underscore the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN emphasized the threat posed to regional and international peace and security by the evolving situation.
The closed-door meeting will be held in a consultations room adjacent to the UNSC Chamber, where discussions on the security situation in the region will take place.
Guterres has been actively engaged in efforts to address the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, including discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
(This story has been published without any edits by NDTV staff and is sourced from a syndicated feed.)
