The UN secretary-general's warning comes as worries of spiraling conflict grow over a deadly attack in Kashmir. Meanwhile, Islamabad claims 'credible intelligence' Delhi is planning an imminent military strike.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday.
"The secretary-general also 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," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
A confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors "would be catastrophic for those two countries and for the world as a whole," the statement added.
Sharif's office said he had asked Guterres to "counsel India to exercise restraint."
"Pakistan remains committed to peace, but will defend its sovereignty with full force if challenged," he wrote on X.