UN chief 'very concerned' over India's missile attacks on Pakistan

HAMILTON, Canada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern Tuesday over recent missile attacks by India against Pakistan.

"The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries," said his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement.

"The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan," he added.

Guterres' remarks came shortly after the Indian military's launch of missile strikes under what it dubbed "Operation Sindoor," targeting sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

It came as tensions are running high between the two countries over an attack last month on the touristic resort of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir which left 26 people dead.

India blamed Pakistan, saying the attack had "cross-border links." Islamabad denied this and instead offered a neutral probe with third-party monitoring.

Both countries have taken diplomatic measures against each other, including canceling visas for each other’s citizens and recalling some diplomatic staff.

India also suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty, a 1960 water use and distribution agreement with Pakistan.

In recent days, many countries, including the US, have contacted the leaders of both countries in an attempt to ease tensions.