The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold closed consultations today to address the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which took place on 22 April, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, most of whom were tourists. In the aftermath, India implemented a series of punitive measures against Pakistan, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and banning all imports from Islamabad.
Pakistan, currently a non-permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, formally requested the emergency meeting. The session has been scheduled for the afternoon of 5 May under the Greek presidency of the UNSC for the month. Pakistan’s foreign office stated it would use this opportunity to brief the Council on what it described as India’s “aggressive actions” and to highlight the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming that New Delhi’s moves threaten peace and security in the region.
Diplomatic Moves and International Responses
The closed-door meeting comes as both countries, armed with nuclear capabilities, trade accusations and warnings. India has blamed Pakistan for supporting cross-border terrorism, especially after links to Pakistani elements emerged in the Pahalgam attack. Denying responsibility, Pakistan has called for a neutral investigation and accused India of provocative actions. Islamabad has also warned that the evolving situation poses a real threat to regional and international peace and security.
In the days leading up to the meeting, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached out to all Security Council members except China and Pakistan to present India’s position, stressing that the perpetrators and backers of the attack must be brought to justice. Jaishankar also had discussions with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several foreign ministers from Council member states.
Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN and the current President of the Security Council, stated last week that the meeting could provide an opportunity for all sides to express their views and potentially help diffuse tensions. He reiterated the Council’s strong condemnation of terrorism and extended condolences to the victims’ families, while expressing concern over the mounting regional tension.
Looking Ahead
The UNSC’s closed consultations are not expected to produce an immediate resolution but are seen as a crucial diplomatic step amid a rapidly deteriorating situation. The United Nations has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint and resolve their differences through peaceful and meaningful engagement. The outcome of today’s discussions will be closely watched by the international community, given the high stakes involved and the history of conflict between the two neighbours.
