United Nations, May 5, 2025: UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday called for “maximum restraint” from both India and Pakistan amid rising tensions over the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, warning that any military escalation could spiral out of control.
Speaking to reporters outside the Security Council in New York, Guterres expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, describing their current hostility as the “highest in years.”
Condemning the Pahalgam attack that killed at least 26 civilians and injured dozens, he said, “Targeting civilians is unacceptable — and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.”
Guterres urged both nations to avoid military confrontation and reiterated that “a military solution is no solution.” He offered the UN’s good offices to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation.
The Security Council is expected to hold a closed-door session later Monday to discuss the crisis.
The UN chief also acknowledged India and Pakistan’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping missions and said he hoped that history of cooperation could pave the way for renewed diplomatic engagement.
“The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes peace, diplomacy, and regional stability,” Guterres said.
