News Desk
UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday to address escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, with several members sharply questioning Pakistan’s recent missile tests and nuclear rhetoric, diplomats said. The session, held at Pakistan’s request, followed a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, India, last month that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, and intensified strains between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
India, represented by its permanent representative to the U.N., Parvathaneni Harish, underscored its commitment to peace while firmly pointing to Pakistan’s role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism as the root cause of the unrest. The Pahalgam attack, widely attributed to Pakistan-backed militants, has fueled India’s concerns about regional stability, prompting New Delhi to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty in a measured response to ongoing provocations.
The meeting, presided over by Greece, saw broad support for India’s call for dialogue and de-escalation. Several Council members, including the United States and France, expressed unease over Pakistan’s recent ballistic missile tests and inflammatory statements about its nuclear capabilities, viewing them as reckless amid heightened tensions. “India has shown restraint in the face of repeated provocations,” a Western diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Pakistan’s actions, from supporting terrorism to nuclear posturing, are deeply concerning.”
Pakistan, a non-permanent Council member, defended its position, accusing India of aggressive policies in the region. However, its arguments found little traction, with some members questioning the timing of its military maneuvers. The Council issued no formal statement, but diplomats said the consensus leaned toward urging both sides to avoid military confrontation, with a clear emphasis on Pakistan addressing its support for terrorist groups.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the call for calm, urging India and Pakistan to resolve disputes through diplomacy. India’s delegation reiterated its openness to bilateral talks, provided Pakistan takes credible steps to dismantle terrorist networks operating from its soil.
The session highlighted India’s growing diplomatic clout and its framing of the conflict as a fight against terrorism, a stance that resonated with many Council members.
