The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency closed-door session on May 5, 2025, amid growing international alarm over rising hostilities between India and Pakistan. The meeting was called in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The attack, attributed to the Pakistan-based group Lashkar-e-Taiba, sparked a fierce diplomatic and military standoff between the two nuclear powers.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement before the session, urging both nations to prioritize peace. In the confidential deliberations, council members stressed the importance of returning to existing bilateral agreements and re-engaging in dialogue. France, the US, and Russia reportedly expressed concern over the escalating troop presence along the Line of Control and condemned the use of terrorism as a political tool.
India’s ambassador presented satellite evidence allegedly linking the attack to elements within Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), while Pakistan’s representative denied state involvement, calling for an international probe instead. Meanwhile, border clashes have resulted in dozens of casualties, including soldiers and civilians on both sides.
International reactions have varied. The United States has offered to mediate discreetly, while China emphasized regional stability and called for restraint from both sides. Regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have remained largely silent, reflecting the complex geopolitics of South Asia.
Experts warn that without a robust de-escalation framework, the risk of a miscalculated military response remains high. The UNSC plans to reconvene next week for follow-up consultations, with a potential statement or resolution under discussion, although consensus among permanent members remains elusive.
