Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached a critical point following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Fears of a potential military conflict are rising, prompting the United Nations Security Council to convene a closed-door meeting today (Monday, 5 May).
According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the meeting will focus on the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack and India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The session has been convened at Pakistan’s request.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it will present its concerns about regional developments and India’s unilateral actions during the meeting. Islamabad views this diplomatic initiative as a step toward informing the international community of the situation.
India blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack, leading to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the Attari-Wagah land border. In response, Pakistan called India’s actions tantamount to a declaration of war and halted bilateral trade and Indian flight operations in its airspace.
Amid heightened tensions, Pakistan also conducted a test launch of its “Abdali” ballistic missile last Saturday, which has a range of 450 kilometers. Indian officials have termed the missile test a “provocative move,” while Pakistan claims it was part of a routine “Sindhu Exercise.”
The international community—including Russia, the United States, and the United Nations—has urged both nations to exercise restraint. Russia has expressed willingness to mediate, provided both India and Pakistan agree.
With diplomatic ties deteriorating and military standoffs increasing, stability in South Asia is under serious threat. All eyes are now on the UN Security Council to see if any effective measures will be taken to ease tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.