United Nations Security Council to convene private discussions pertaining to escalating India-Pakistan disputes in light of the Pahalgam attack, scheduled for today.
As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan after the ghastly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to hold closed-door consultations on the situation. Scheduled for Monday, May 5, the consultation comes on the heels of Pakistan's request for an emergency meeting.
Islamabad finds itself on the receiving end of India's punitive measures, which include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the cancellation of all visas issued to Pakistani nationals, and a ban on all imports from Pakistan.
Pahalgam Attack Update
Greece, the current UNSC presidency, has scheduled the closed consultation in the afternoon of May 5. With just 10 of the 15-member UNSC being non-permanent, Pakistan, being one of them, requested this meeting to address the escalating tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The UNSC has historically condemned terrorism in all its forms and expressed concerns about ongoing tensions in the region. While the UNSC typically emphasizes de-escalation and bilateral dialogue, it tends to steer clear of adjudicating bilateral water disputes unless directly linked to threats to international peace.
India's Diplomatic Moves
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reportedly held conversations with the Council members, excluding China and Pakistan, seeking justice for the Pahalgam attack. He had a "fruitful conversation" with his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, expressing India's appreciation for Greece's stand on cross-border terrorism.
Jaishankar also discussed the issue with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The Chinese Factor
As a permanent member and Pakistan's ally, China could potentially block stronger language against Pakistan or push for balanced phrasing in the discussion. However, its stance remains unclear at this point.
Possible Outcomes
Given the UNSC's past handling of Indo-Pak tensions, a limited statement reiterating counterterrorism commitments and regional stability is likely without direct criticism of either side. However, a polarized debate between Western and China-aligned members could result in no formal outcome or further deadlock on South Asia issues.
[1]: Source: Council on Foreign Relations[2]: Source: Indian Express[3]: Source: Hindustan Times[4]: Source: CNA[5]: Source: AP News
- In light of the Pahalgam attack, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is congregating for consultations regarding the escalating India-Pakistan tensions, possibly aiming to resolve the war-and-conflicts-related issues and restore general-news peace.
- The Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has been engaging in discussions with several UNSC members, sharing India's concerns about the Pahalgam attack and seeking justice, while also expressing gratitude for the support shown against cross-border terrorism.
- Despite being an ally of Pakistan, China, as a permanent member, retains the power to potentially veto stronger language against Pakistan or promote balanced phrasing during the UNSC consultations, yet their stance remains undetermined.
- Considering the UNSC's historical approach towards Indo-Pak tensions, the consultation may yield a limited statement addressing counterterrorism commitments and regional stability, without explicitly criticizing either side.
- However, differing viewpoints between Western and China-aligned members could spark a heated debate within the UNSC, resulting in no formal resolution or deadlock in addressing political issues related to South Asia.
