UN Closely Monitoring India-Pakistan Tensions

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is keenly observing the rising tensions between India and Pakistan, according to his spokesperson on Friday. This statement refutes claims that the potential for conflict between the two nuclear-armed countries isn’t receiving adequate attention.

“I disagree with your assessment, as we are vigilantly monitoring the situation between India and Pakistan,” stated Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric to a reporter during a press briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.

Following a query about whether the UN chief intended to engage with the leaders of India and Pakistan upon his return from Rome, Dujarric indicated he hoped to provide an update later. The reporter then remarked on the seeming lack of attention given the potential for war between two nuclear powers.

Dujarric reiterated, “I stand by my statement that we are giving very close attention to the circumstances involving India and Pakistan.”

He further conveyed that the United Nations is continuing to observe the situation with “profound concern.”

“We also reaffirm our strong condemnation of the attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in approximately 26 civilian deaths, and we earnestly appeal to both the Indian and Pakistani governments to practice utmost restraint to prevent any further escalation of the situation.”

The Secretary-General had previously denounced the attack on Wednesday, conveying his condolences to those affected.

Since the incident, India has declared several actions targeting Pakistan, including a unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, the closure of a border crossing, the expulsion of diplomats, and a directive for certain Pakistani visa holders to depart within a 48-hour timeframe.

Pakistan, while firmly denying any involvement in the attack, responded by immediately suspending all visas issued to Indian nationals under an exemption program, expelling some Indian diplomats, and prohibiting Indian flights from its airspace.