UN chief calls on India, Pakistan to exercise restraint

UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced grave concern over recent Indian operations along the Line of Control and the international boundary with Pakistan.

In a statement released Tuesday through his spokesperson, Guterres urged both nations to exercise maximum restraint. “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” the statement read.

Guterres noted on Monday that the situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors had reached “their highest in years,” warning of the potentially catastrophic consequences of further escalation. He reaffirmed his readiness to assist both governments in de-escalating the crisis, offering his “good offices” to encourage dialogue and a peaceful resolution. “A military solution is no solution,” he emphasized.

Addressing journalists earlier this week, the Secretary-General also strongly condemned the deadly April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 civilians and left dozens more injured. “Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means,” he said.

The UN’s top official has consistently called for diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan, stressing that the risks of further violence carry global implications.