UNSC Meets Today on India-Pakistan Tensions as Islamabad Seeks Global Attention

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) holds an emergency closed-door meeting in New York to address the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, following Pakistan’s request for consultations. The session, prompted by 11 consecutive nights of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, aims to prevent further deterioration in South Asia. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, is set to brief the 15-nation body, framing India’s actions as a threat to regional stability after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy
Islamabad plans to highlight India’s “provocative” measures, including the treaty suspension, closure of the Attari border, and airspace restrictions, as escalatory. Pakistan’s Foreign Office, under Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, has instructed its UN envoy to emphasize the risk of water disputes and military escalation, urging global intervention. Pakistan, a non-permanent UNSC member until 2026, seeks to rally support by alleging India’s actions distract from human rights issues in Jammu and Kashmir. However, its narrative faces challenges, as India attributes the tensions to Pakistan-backed terrorism, a claim bolstered by international condemnation of the Pahalgam attack.

India’s Counterposition

India, represented at the UN, is expected to reject Pakistan’s accusations, arguing that its measures are lawful responses to cross-border terrorism. New Delhi points to the Pahalgam attack’s “cross-border linkages” and has garnered support from non-permanent UNSC members like Greece and Somalia, who condemned the attack. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has briefed allies, reinforcing India’s resolve to hold perpetrators accountable. India may also question Pakistan’s credibility, citing its Defence Minister’s controversial remarks about past “dirty work” for Western powers.