The United Nations has raised serious concerns over India’s unilateral military action under “Operation Sindoor,” declaring that it violated international law and breached Pakistan’s sovereignty. In a special report, UN experts emphasised that Pakistan categorically denied any involvement in the Pahalgam attack and stressed that New Delhi’s actions undermined established international norms, calling for accountability and adherence to the Indus Waters Treaty.
The UN report strongly objected to India’s unilateral measures, condemned the Pahalgam attack, and underscored the need for those responsible to face lawful consequences. Pakistan had demanded an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation, insisting that any use of force comply with international law and respect its territorial integrity.
According to the findings, on May 7, 2025, India carried out military operations inside Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, without formally notifying the UN Security Council as required under Article 51 of the UN Charter. UN experts described this omission as a violation of established international procedure, noting that prior notification is mandatory when invoking the right to self-defence.
The report further highlighted that Indian strikes targeted civilian areas, damaged mosques, and caused civilian casualties, raising serious humanitarian and human rights concerns. Pakistan condemned the actions, informed the UN Security Council of its right to self-defence, and emphasised that India failed to provide credible evidence linking Pakistan at a state level to the Pahalgam attack.
UN experts stressed that international law does not grant any unilateral right to use force under the pretext of counterterrorism. They warned that such illegal actions could violate the right to life and escalate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. If India’s actions are considered an armed attack, Pakistan would be legally entitled to exercise its inherent right of self-defence, the report concluded.
The UN experts’ assessment underscores the need for restraint, accountability, and strict adherence to international legal frameworks to prevent further escalation and ensure regional stability.
