UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the need for justice in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack while expressing deep concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

Guterres spoke separately with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed on Tuesday.

“The Secretary-General 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,” Dujarric said.

He reiterated Guterres’ condemnation of the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, and emphasized that accountability must be pursued through lawful means.

Calling the situation highly volatile, Dujarric warned that a confrontation between India and Pakistan would be “catastrophic for those two countries and for the world.”

The UN chief also offered his good offices to support peace efforts, though India has historically rejected third-party mediation, citing the 1972 Simla Agreement which affirms that disputes between the two nations should be resolved bilaterally.

“Secretary-General’s good offices are always available should both sides agree to it,” Dujarric added.