"A military solution is no solution," UN chief on Pakistan-India tensions

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on May 5, 2025. "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," Guterres said on the tensions between India and Pakistan, at the press encounter on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the tensions between India and Pakistan, at a press encounter on Monday.

"Tensions between India and Pakistan are at their highest in years," the UN chief said.

"And so it pains me to see relations reaching a boiling point," he added.

Guterres once again strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. "Targeting civilians is unacceptable -- and those responsible must be brought to justice through credible and lawful means," he said.

The UN chief stressed that it was essential, "especially at this critical hour, to avoid a military confrontation that could easily spin out of control," and "now is the time for maximum restraint and stepping back from the brink."

"That has been my message in my ongoing outreach with both countries," said Guterres.

The UN secretary-general once again offered his good offices to both India and Pakistan in the service of peace. "The United Nations stands ready to support any initiative that promotes de-escalation, diplomacy, and a renewed commitment to peace," he said.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam in the Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22. ■

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on May 5, 2025. "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," Guterres said on the tensions between India and Pakistan, at the press encounter on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press outside the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters in New York, on May 5, 2025. "Make no mistake: A military solution is no solution," Guterres said on the tensions between India and Pakistan, at the press encounter on Monday. (Xinhua/Xie E)