The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called on India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and engage in dialogue, Reuters reports citing Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
The call comes amid growing fears of military conflict following a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists.
During a closed-door UNSC meeting on Monday, council members were reportedly briefed on the situation and warned of intelligence suggesting potential Indian military action.
The Security Council urged both nations to pursue diplomacy and avoid confrontation.
India, which is not a current UNSC member, has not officially responded. However, a diplomatic source in New Delhi claimed several council members viewed Pakistan’s recent missile tests and nuclear rhetoric as provocative.
The source added that Islamabad was encouraged to address tensions bilaterally rather than internationalise the issue.
India has accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack, alleging two of the three attackers were Pakistani nationals. Islamabad denies the charge but warned it is ready to defend itself if attacked.
The standoff has led to both countries ramping up defences. Pakistan conducted two missile tests in three days, while India carried out civil defence drills, including air raid simulations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise "maximum restraint" and avoid actions that could spiral out of control.
Following the attack, both countries took retaliatory steps such as suspending trade, freezing a water-sharing treaty, closing airspace, and cutting diplomatic staff.
Ratings agency Moody’s warned the tensions could further weaken Pakistan’s fragile economy and weigh on India’s fiscal consolidation.
Kashmir remains the central flashpoint, with both sides trading accusations of supporting insurgent groups in the region.
