In a significant diplomatic development, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened closed consultations on May 5, 2025, to address rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a brutal terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir last month. The confidential nature of the meeting reflects the gravity of the regional security concerns and the international community’s growing apprehension regarding a possible escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The Pahalgam Attack and Its Aftermath

The immediate trigger for the diplomatic storm was a deadly terrorist attack that occurred on April 22, 2025, in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. The attackers targeted a group of pilgrims, killing 26 and injuring several others, most of them Hindu tourists from various parts of India. The Resistance Front (TRF), widely believed to be a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the carnage.

India swiftly condemned the attack and accused Pakistan of orchestrating cross-border terrorism through its support for non-state actors. New Delhi pointed to intercepted communications and intelligence findings that allegedly linked the attack to operatives based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In response, India implemented a series of retaliatory measures: expelling Pakistani diplomats, suspending the Indus Water Treaty, revoking visas of Pakistani nationals, stopping cross-border bus and train services, and tightening security along the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan, in turn, rejected India's accusations as baseless and politically motivated. Islamabad retaliated diplomatically by downgrading ties, suspending the decades-old Shimla Agreement, and imposing economic restrictions. Additionally, Pakistan closed several border crossings and temporarily suspended its airspace for Indian aircraft, leading to disruptions in civil aviation.

UNSC Consultations: A Rare Step

The UNSC’s decision to hold closed consultations was prompted by a request from China, a permanent member of the Council and a close ally of Pakistan. While such meetings are informal and not subject to official minutes or public records, they serve as critical forums for member states to voice concerns and propose diplomatic pathways in sensitive geopolitical scenarios.

During the consultations, representatives of all five permanent members—China, Russia, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—as well as the ten non-permanent members, expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating conflict and the risks of a potential military confrontation.

According to diplomatic sources, China used the platform to support Pakistan’s call for greater international involvement in the Kashmir dispute. Chinese representatives highlighted the importance of upholding human rights and regional stability and called on India to allow multilateral mediation efforts.

However, the stance taken by the other permanent members reflected a different perspective. The United States, United Kingdom, France, and Russia reiterated their long-standing positions that the Kashmir dispute must be resolved bilaterally by India and Pakistan in accordance with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration. These countries refrained from endorsing international intervention and instead encouraged both nations to resolve tensions through diplomatic channels.

India's Firm Stand at the UN

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, addressed reporters following the closed-door meeting. In a strong and measured statement, he reaffirmed India’s sovereign claim over Jammu and Kashmir and categorically rejected any third-party involvement in the matter. Harish accused Pakistan of using terrorism as an instrument of state policy and called on the global community to hold Islamabad accountable for nurturing and exporting extremist elements.

“We are not surprised by Pakistan’s latest efforts to internationalize the Kashmir issue,” Harish said. “However, the international community is well aware of Pakistan’s record and its long history of using terror groups as strategic assets. Jammu and Kashmir is, and will remain, an integral part of India.”

He further emphasized India’s commitment to maintaining peace but warned that any provocations or attacks on Indian civilians would be met with a proportionate response. “India has no interest in escalation, but it will not tolerate terrorism under any circumstances,” he added.

International Community Reacts

In the wake of the consultations, the United Nations issued a carefully worded appeal urging both countries to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the rising hostilities and emphasized the need for de-escalation to prevent further loss of life and instability in South Asia.

Several countries also responded with travel advisories. The United States Department of State upgraded its travel warning for Jammu and Kashmir to Level 4— “Do Not Travel”—citing a heightened risk of terrorism, civil unrest, and armed conflict. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi assured American citizens in India that it was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to ensure safety.

The United Kingdom and Russia issued similar advisories, urging their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the region. Iran, meanwhile, offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to help reduce tensions, although neither country officially responded to the offer.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while supporting Pakistan’s position during the UNSC discussions, also stressed the importance of restraint. “Peace and stability in South Asia are vital for global security,” he said. “We urge all parties to act responsibly.”

A Complex Road Ahead

Despite the mounting retaliatory measures, experts suggest that both India and Pakistan are keen to avoid a full-scale military conflict. Analysts point out that while diplomatic relations have soured and LoC conflicts have increased, both sides appear to be maintaining backchannel communications to prevent further escalation.

The UNSC consultations, although informal and non-binding, have served an important purpose in reminding both nations of the global stakes involved in their bilateral disputes. The international community, while refraining from direct intervention, is clearly invested in preventing another crisis in South Asia that could spiral out of control.

As the dust settles from the UNSC meeting, the path forward remains uncertain. India's insistence on bilateralism and Pakistan's push for international mediation continue to clash. However, the shared interest in regional stability, economic progress, and the avoidance of conflict may yet bring both parties to the negotiating table.

The UNSC’s closed consultations on the India-Pakistan situation mark a critical moment in regional diplomacy. Although no formal resolutions emerged, the meeting reflected international concern over the rising tensions in South Asia and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution. With both countries at a delicate crossroad, sustained diplomatic efforts, regional cooperation, and international support will be crucial in order to peace, stability, and the protection of civilians in the region.

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