Guterres calls Jaishankar, warns confrontation can result in tragic consequences

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday received United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, who offered his support to de-escalate the tension between India and Pakistan over the April 22 terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Though the United Nations Secretary General engages directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he made an exception and spoke to the external affairs minister on Tuesday. He also called Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The Secretary General reiterated his strong condemnation of the April 22 terrorist attack in J&K. He expressed his deep concern at rising tensions between India and Pakistan and underscored the need to avoid a confrontation that could result in tragic consequences. He offered his good offices to support de-escalation efforts, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said.

“Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice,” Jaishankar posted on X.