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The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a closed consultation on Monday to discuss the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
UNSC President Evangelos Sekeris described the meeting as ‘productive’ and emphasised the Council’s role in promoting de-escalation.
Sekeris Calls Meeting ‘Productive’ On India-Pakistan Tensions
After the meeting, Sekeris told reporters, “The Security Council is always helpful in such efforts to de-escalate. It is the responsibility of the Council.”
He added, “It was a productive meeting and helpful,” although the discussions remained confidential due to the closed nature of the session.
Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed the meeting, noting that all parties involved expressed the desire for de-escalation. When asked about the situation, Khiari described it as ‘volatile’ but refrained from providing further details.
Russia Calls For De-escalation
Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative, Anna Evstigneeva, also attended the meeting and voiced support for de-escalation.
She stated, “We hope for de-escalation,” aligning with the broader consensus within the Council.
Meeting Convened At Pakistan’s Request
The meeting was convened by Sekeris at the request of Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad.
Due to UNSC procedures, only members of the Council are allowed to attend closed consultations, meaning India, which is not a member, was excluded from the discussions.
UN Secretary-General Calls For Caution
Before the meeting, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation between India and Pakistan as being at a ‘boiling point’.
He urged both nations to ‘step back from the brink’ and stressed the importance of avoiding a military confrontation that could spiral out of control.
Guterres also condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people and held the Resistance Front, linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba, responsible.
Pakistan’s Response To India’s Allegations
Following the meeting, Ahmad ‘categorically’ denied India’s accusation of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
While emphasising the dispute over Kashmir, which he described as a territory with widespread discontent, Ahmad offered a stance of both militancy and conciliation.
“We are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty,” Ahmad said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries, including India, and expressed openness to dialogue.
“We remain open to dialogue,” he added, emphasising the importance of de-escalation and peaceful resolutions, a sentiment echoed by other Council members during the consultation.
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