Desk:United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. In a brief statement issued on Monday, he also urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate rising tensions and exercise maximum restraint. He cautioned both nations against any miscalculations, stating, “There is no military solution. Both sides must step back from the brink of war.”
Guterres expressed his deep understanding of the intense emotions following the deadly attack that occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam. Reiterating his strong condemnation, he extended condolences to the families of the victims. “Targeting civilians is unacceptable under any circumstances,” he said, adding that those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means.
He reaffirmed the UN’s readiness to support any initiative aimed at reducing tensions and promoting diplomacy and peace. “The United Nations stands ready to assist in any effort that fosters renewed commitment to peace and dialogue,” Guterres emphasized.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all states to conduct mock drills in light of the escalating situation. On Monday, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reportedly to brief him on the armed forces’ readiness amidst rising India-Pakistan tensions. This meeting followed a similar interaction a day earlier between Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and the Prime Minister.
Earlier on Saturday, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi had briefed the Prime Minister on the strategic situation along key maritime routes in the Arabian Sea. In response to Pakistan’s ongoing naval exercises, the Indian Navy remains on high alert in the region, while the Indian Air Force has been conducting long-range sorties with frontline fighter aircraft.
Though no official statement was released regarding the Defence Secretary’s meeting with the Prime Minister, Indian authorities have pointed to “cross-border links” in connection with the Pahalgam attack. India has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The attack claimed 26 lives.