US Vice President Urges Pakistan to Collaborate with India on Terrorism After Pahalgam Attack
US Calls for Cooperation Against Terrorism
Washington: J.D. Vance, the Vice President of the United States, expressed hopes that Pakistan would work alongside India to track down the terrorists linked to the recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
In an interview aired on Fox News' 'Special Report with Bret Baier', Vance stated, "We hope India will respond to this terrorist act in a manner that avoids escalating regional conflicts."
He further added, "We sincerely hope that Pakistan, if they bear any responsibility, will collaborate with India to ensure that the terrorists operating from their territory are apprehended and dealt with accordingly."
This was Vance's first public comment regarding the attack, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals.
During the time of the incident, Vance was visiting India with his family, marking the attack as the deadliest since the Pulwama incident involving CRPF personnel in 2019.
His comments are particularly relevant given the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident.
Previously, while in India, Vance condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families via a post on X.
The Pahalgam attack, which took the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident, stands as one of the most severe assaults on civilians in the Kashmir Valley in recent history. The terrorists had meticulously planned the attack on a picturesque meadow, accessible only by hiking or pony service.
In light of the escalating tensions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in discussions with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging Pakistani officials to assist in the investigation and to help ease the rising tensions.
Home Minister Amit Shah also made his first public comments regarding the attack, asserting that India would respond decisively to every act of terrorism.
He warned, "Those who believe a cowardly attack signifies victory should remember this is Narendra Modi's India — and retribution will be exacted, one by one."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to pursue the attackers and their supporters "to the ends of the earth."
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India has downgraded its diplomatic relations with Pakistan, implementing several measures including halting the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling all Pakistani military attaches, closing its airspace to Pakistani airlines, and shutting down the Attari-Wagah border.
In retaliation, Pakistan has taken reciprocal actions, including suspending the Simla Agreement.
Recently, India extended its deadline for Pakistani nationals wishing to return via the Attari-Wagah border, although Pakistan has yet to reciprocate by allowing Indian nationals entry.