US Vice President JD Vance Comments on India-Pakistan Tensions

US Stance on India-Pakistan Conflict

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan due to recent cross-border strikes, US Vice President JD Vance stated on Thursday that the United States will not intervene in a conflict that is primarily not its concern.

In a discussion with a media channel, Vance expressed that the US is always apprehensive when nuclear nations face off in significant conflicts.

He remarked, “We cannot dictate the actions of these nations. India has its issues with Pakistan, and Pakistan has reacted accordingly. Our role is to encourage both sides to ease tensions.”

Vance emphasized, “However, we will not insert ourselves into a war that is fundamentally not our business and beyond America's control.”

He acknowledged that the US cannot compel either India or Pakistan to disarm, but it will continue to address the situation through diplomatic means.

The Vice President reiterated the hope that the ongoing tensions would not escalate into a larger regional conflict or, worse, a nuclear war. He stated, “It is crucial for diplomatic efforts and rational thinking from both India and Pakistan to prevent this from turning into a nuclear disaster. Currently, we do not foresee such an outcome.”

These comments come as the Indian Army reported that the Pakistani military had launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along India's western border on Thursday night.

According to the Indian Army, ceasefire violations occurred along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, but the drone attacks were successfully countered, and a strong response was delivered.

The Indian Army also indicated that Pakistan targeted military installations in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir using missiles and drones.

Indian forces neutralized the Pakistani threat effectively, with no reported casualties, as stated by the Integrated Defence Staff headquarters.

Earlier, the Indian military conducted strikes on what it claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting nine sites in an operation dubbed Operation Sindoor.

Reports indicate that at least 31 individuals were killed and 46 injured in Pakistan due to these strikes, with Islamabad asserting that the operation violated its sovereignty.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as executed with precision and care to avoid civilian casualties, maintaining that the action was focused and non-escalatory.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Army shelled Indian villages along the Line of Control, resulting in 16 fatalities, according to India's defence ministry.

In light of the rising tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio intensified diplomatic efforts, engaging separately with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Rubio urged both leaders to seek immediate de-escalation, as noted in two separate press releases from the US Department of State.

During his conversation with Jaishankar, Rubio expressed US support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged ongoing communication efforts.

He also conveyed condolences for the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the US commitment to collaborate with India in combating terrorism.

Conversely, in his discussion with Sharif, Rubio expressed sorrow for the reported civilian casualties and reiterated calls for Pakistan to take decisive actions against terrorist groups.

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in 26 deaths and 17 injuries, with attackers reportedly targeting tourists based on their religion. Most victims were Hindu.

On the same day, US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, affirming that the US stands firmly with India against terrorism.