UNSC Holds Closed-Door Consultations Amid Escalating Tensions Between India, Pakistan

Last Updated:May 06, 2025, 07:41 IST

The development came after Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, requested for “closed consultations” on the situation.

The UNSC held a closed-door consultations on the situation between India and Pakistan. (AP File Image)

Hours after Secretary General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan, the United Nations Security Council held closed-door consultations where envoys called for restraint and dialogue.

The development came after Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the powerful 15-nation Security Council, requested for “closed consultations" on the situation.

The closed-door meeting did not take place in the UNSC Chamber, where Council members sit at the powerful horseshoe table, but in a consultation room next to the chamber.

Pakistan Misuses Platform To Spread Lies

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad while addressing the reporters following the meeting, again raked up the Kashmir issue. He said the objectives from the closed consultations included enabling the Council members to have a discussion on the deteriorating security environment and rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Highlighting the need for de-escalation, the Pakistani envoy blamed India for military build-up and provocative actions. In addition to this, he added that Pakistan is “fully prepared" to protect its sovereignty and integrity. He further accused India of serving its political and strategic interests while rejecting Pakistan’s involvement in the April 22 attack in Pahalgam.

UN Chief Condemns Pahalgam Attack

Just hours before the closed consultations, Guterres voiced concern over tensions between India and Pakistan being at “their highest in years" and strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

“I understand the raw feeling following the Pahalgam attack on 22 April. I once again strongly condemn the attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims," Guterres said.

Guterres made remarks to the press from the UNSC stake-out Monday morning amid rising tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen.

“Targeting civilians is unacceptable – and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means," he said.

Guterres stressed that it is essential – especially at this critical hour — to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control.

“Now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink. That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries. Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," the UN chief added.

Jaishankar Spoke To Council Members

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had spoken with all Council members, except China and Pakistan. In his calls, Jaishankar underlined that “its perpetrators, backers and planners must be brought to justice".

Last week, Guterres reiterated his condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in a call with Jaishankar, noting the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means while voicing deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Guterres spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“In his phone calls, the Secretary General reiterated his strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir. The Secretary General noted the importance of pursuing justice and accountability for these attacks through lawful means," Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, had said.

(With agency inputs)

United States of America (USA)

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