The United Nations has called on India and Pakistan to exercise "maximum restraint" following a surge in tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors after a deadly shooting in Kashmir left 26 civilians dead.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Thursday urged both countries to prevent further escalation, emphasizing that disputes must be resolved "peacefully through meaningful mutual engagement."

Tensions flared after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Pakistan-based militants of carrying out the attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Indian-administered Kashmir. The incident marks the deadliest attack on civilians in the region in over two decades.

India identified the attackers as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a UN-designated terrorist group, and has announced a ₹2 million bounty for each suspect. Modi vowed a relentless pursuit of the perpetrators, stating, "India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their backer."

In response to the attack, New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, shut down the main land border with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic relations, and canceled visas for Pakistani nationals.

Islamabad, rejecting any involvement in the assault, retaliated by expelling Indian diplomats, restricting Indian visas (except for Sikh pilgrims), and closing its side of the border. Pakistan warned that any attempt by India to block river water would be considered "an act of war."

The deadly Pahalgam shooting, where gunmen allegedly emerged from forest cover and opened fire on tourists, signals a shift in insurgent tactics. Survivors said the attackers spared those able to recite the Islamic declaration of faith.

As both sides brace for possible military escalation, India has begun large-scale air force and naval exercises. Observers fear a repeat of 2019, when a similar attack in Pulwama led to Indian airstrikes in Pakistani territory and brought both nations to the brink of war.

With diplomatic ties rapidly deteriorating and military activities intensifying, the international community has expressed growing concern over the stability of the region.