How can Guterres' call for de-escalation affect the India-Pakistan conflict?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- UN Secretary-General calls for restraint between India and Pakistan.
- International diplomatic efforts are being made to prevent further conflict.
- Aerial attacks have been reported, but India’s air defence successfully intercepted them.
- Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.
- Guterres has offered to mediate the situation.
United Nations, May 8 (NationPress) As reports of attacks emerged across the India-Pakistan borders, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged for initiatives aimed at reducing tensions in the region, as stated by his Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq.
"We certainly support all measures to alleviate the situation and call upon both India and Pakistan to practice utmost restraint," Haq remarked.
Ongoing international diplomatic endeavors aimed to ease hostilities included discussions between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, as well as India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Additionally, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir were engaged in a diplomatic mission in New Delhi.
Haq emphasized: "The globe cannot bear another conflict between India and Pakistan, and he (Guterres) has offered his mediation" to facilitate de-escalation.
On Thursday, the situation intensified as Pakistan expanded its attacks beyond the Line of Control into other parts of India.
Aerial strikes initiated by Pakistan targeting Jammu and various military installations near the western border were successfully intercepted by India’s air defence systems on Thursday night.
The attempted assault, involving drones and missiles, led to blackouts and alarms in numerous regions of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Authorities urged the public to stay indoors and remain alert as emergency measures were enacted.
In response to the attacks, India has reportedly launched countermeasures.
The Integrated Defence Staff confirmed that no damage occurred to military installations, including those in Jammu and Udhampur.
Sources indicated that Indian air defences successfully neutralized several drones launched near the Jammu airport, with no casualties reported.