Jaishankar receives call from UN chief, rules out talks until terrorists are punished

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has made it clear that there will be no talks with Pakistan until those responsible for the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam are brought to justice. His statement followed a phone call from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who offered to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan to ease rising tensions.

According to a UN statement released on April 29, Guterres spoke separately with Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Secretary-General strongly condemned the April 22 attack in the Baisaran Valley and expressed deep concern over escalating tensions between the two countries. He reiterated the need for justice to be pursued through lawful and accountable means, warning that further escalation could have “tragic consequences”. He also offered his “Good Offices” to help reduce tensions and restore calm.

Jaishankar, in a post on X, said:

“Received a call from @UN SG @antonioguterres. Appreciate his unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Agreed on the importance of accountability. India is resolved that the perpetrators, planners and backers of this attack are brought to justice.”

In his remarks, Jaishankar emphasised that the attackers had targeted unarmed, innocent tourists from across India, who were identified by their faith before being killed.

India has received widespread international support following the April 22 attack, including strong condemnations from several senior officials in the U.S. administration. Global leaders have reiterated their backing for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also issued strong statements since the attack. Speaking at a rally in Bihar on April 24, he vowed punishment “beyond imagination” for those responsible. “India will identify, track and punish every terrorist and their backers. We will pursue them to the ends of the Earth. India’s spirit will never be broken by terrorism,” he declared.

António GuterresIndia-PakistanNarendra ModiNews BriefPahalgamS Jaishankarterror attackUN Secretary-GeneralWeb Exclusive