United Nations, April 29, 2025: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, offering his support for any initiative aimed at fostering de-escalation and renewed dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The tensions have flared following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres called on both countries to exercise maximum restraint. “The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the situation between India and Pakistan. He strongly urges both governments to avoid any further escalation,” the statement read.
Guterres reaffirmed the United Nations’ longstanding position that even the most complex disputes can be resolved peacefully through constructive dialogue. He expressed readiness to support any effort — provided it is mutually acceptable to both sides — that contributes to de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue.
The United Nations also clarified that its Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has no presence in the area where the Pahalgam attack occurred. However, it continues to monitor and report developments in accordance with its mandate related to the 1971 ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).
