Avoid Military Confrontation That Could Spin Out Of Control: UN Chief Amid India-Pak Tensions

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.

File photo of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

Source : Getty Images

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday urged India and Pakistan to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control and called for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink.

António Guterres, while condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, said he is pained to see the relations between the two countries reaching a boiling point. 

"Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping. And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," Guterres said in an address at the UN Headquarters in New York.

#WATCH | US | Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years. I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and people of both countries and their significant contributions to the work of the United Nations, not least UN peacekeeping. And so it… pic.twitter.com/a2nulj2wX8

— ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2025

Condemning the terror attack in Pahalgam, he said, "I understand the raw feelings following the awful terror attack in Pahalgam on 22 April. I once again strongly condemn that attack and extend my condolences to the families of the victims."

The UN Secretary-General said targeting civilians is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means. He also urged the two nations to avoid a military confrontation that could spin out of control.

"It is also essential to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control, especially at this critical hour. 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, and I offer my good offices to both governments in the service of peace," he said.

He said that the United Nations is ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation diplomacy and the renewed commitment to peace.