UN chief urges India, Pakistan to de-escalate, warns against military solution

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged Pakistan and India on Monday to exercise “maximum restraint” and step back from the brink amid rapidly escalating tensions following the April 22 terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.

In a video address on the situation, Guterres warned that a military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbors could easily spiral out of control.

“This is a time for maximum restraint and for stepping back from the edge,” he said. “That has been the core of my message in ongoing outreach to both governments.”

Guterres acknowledged that tensions between Pakistan and India are at their highest point in years. “I deeply respect and am profoundly grateful to the governments and peoples of both countries for their significant contributions to the United Nations and peacekeeping missions,” he added. “It pains me to see relations deteriorate to such a dangerous level.”

The UN chief said he fully understood the emotional impact of the Pahalgam attack, which killed several civilians. “I strongly condemn the April 22 attack and extend my condolences to the victims and their families. Targeting civilians is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible, lawful means,” he emphasized.

Guterres reiterated that military action is not a viable path forward and called for diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes.

PM Shehbaz receives UN chief's call

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has received a second call in a week from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss regional tensions, according to the PM Office. The premier welcomed the UN chief’s de-escalation efforts, reiterated Pakistan’s offer of a credible investigation, and voiced concern over India’s rhetoric and attempts to politicize global institutions.

Global powers echo calls for calm

The message from the UN chief comes the same day when Russia and Iran made a similar call on both countries to de-escalate tensions and move towards a peaceful solution.

These growing international appeals for peace come in the aftermath of a deadly April 22 attack in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir, where 24 tourists -- mostly Indian nationals -- were killed by unidentified gunmen. While investigations are still ongoing, India swiftly blamed Pakistan for the assault. Islamabad, however, has firmly denied the allegation, citing a lack of evidence and calling for an independent, impartial inquiry.

In retaliation, New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty—a landmark agreement in place since 1960—and ordered Pakistani nationals to leave India within 48 hours. Pakistan condemned the moves as provocative and unlawful, warning that any attempt to unilaterally alter the treaty would amount to “an act of war” and would be met with strong resistance.

Retaliatory moves escalate fears of conflict

Further raising concerns, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the military “operational freedom” following the attack, fueling fears of a potential armed conflict. Pakistan, while reiterating its desire for peace, has said that any hostile act will be met with a firm and lawful response.

Amid rising tensions, a new report on Monday said India will begin conducting mock civil defense drills to prepare for a possible regional escalation. “The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked several states to carry out mock drills to strengthen civil defense preparedness,” said Kanchan Gupta, a senior advisor at the information ministry.

Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region, has remained a flashpoint between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. Both countries control parts of the disputed territory but claim it in full.

An armed insurgency has raged in the Indian-administered region since 1989, with rebel groups seeking either independence or a merger with Pakistan. India frequently accuses Pakistan of backing the militants, a charge Islamabad denies, insisting it provides only diplomatic and moral support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination while condemning alleged human rights abuses in the region.