Mon May 05 22:03:55 UTC 2025: ## UN Holds Closed-Door Meeting on India-Pakistan Tensions After Pahalgam Attack

**New York, May 6, 2025** – The United Nations Security Council held closed-door consultations on Monday to discuss the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22nd. The meeting, requested by Pakistan, comes after UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors are at their highest point in years.

The consultations, held in a private room adjacent to the Security Council chamber, were briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific. Pakistan’s UN ambassador is expected to address reporters following the meeting.

Mr. Guterres strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen, emphasizing that targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice. He urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and avoid military confrontation, reiterating his offer to mediate and support any initiative promoting de-escalation and dialogue.

While Pakistan sought to utilize the UNSC forum to highlight the situation, several experts, including former Indian Permanent Representatives to the UN, predicted little consequential outcome. They pointed out that the incident is largely viewed as a bilateral matter, with the exception of China, which has historically shown support for Pakistan’s position on Kashmir.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has engaged in diplomatic efforts, speaking with several UN Security Council members, emphasizing the need to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack accountable.

The UN Secretary-General’s office has confirmed separate conversations with both Mr. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reiterating the UN’s condemnation of the attack and its support for pursuing justice through lawful means. The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring the developments.

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