UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, has offered “his good offices” to help resolve the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following a terror attack in Uri that left 19 Indian soldiers dead.

Ban urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation, said a statement issued by his spokesperson.

“He [Ban] calls on the governments of Pakistan and India to address their outstanding issues, including regarding Kashmir, peacefully through diplomacy and dialogue. His good offices are available, if accepted by both sides,” the statement concluded.

In an earlier statement, the UN chief condemned the September 18 attack in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, and said “the United Nations is following developments closely and shares the concerns of people living in the region for peace.” The statement added that Ban hopes that all involved would prioritise the re-establishment of stability and prevent any further loss of life.

Ban’s latest statement came a day after India conducted surgical strikes on the intervening night of 28-29 September, targeting seven terror launch pads across the line of control (LoC).

Following the terror attack in Uri, prime minister Narendra Modi had said that the attackers will not go “unpunished”.