U.S. Vice President JD Vance has expressed hope that India’s response to the recent deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir will not escalate into a broader regional conflict.
According to a Reuters report, the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 individuals—most of them tourists—marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region since 2000.
India quickly blamed cross-border elements without providing evidence. In contrast, both Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership firmly rejected the allegations and called for an impartial international investigation.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier,” JD Vance stated:
“We hope India will respond to this terrorist attack in a manner that avoids triggering a broader regional conflict.”
He added:
“We also hope Pakistan will cooperate with India to the extent it is responsible, to ensure terrorists—who occasionally operate from their soil—are pursued and dealt with.”
Top U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, condemned the attack, labeling it an act of “terrorism” and “inhumanity.” While refraining from directly blaming Pakistan, they reiterated their support for India.
India remains a key U.S. partner in South Asia, especially as Washington seeks to counter China’s growing influence in the region. Despite reduced strategic importance post the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, Pakistan continues to be an American ally.
In recent days, the U.S. has urged both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and work collaboratively toward a responsible resolution. While India maintains that Pakistan is behind the attack, Islamabad has denied the accusation and demanded an unbiased inquiry.
The U.S. State Department confirmed ongoing communication with both nuclear-armed neighbors. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish the perpetrators, while Jaishankar stressed to Rubio that justice must be served. Meanwhile, Pakistan has warned of potential military retaliation from India.
In a sharp reaction following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed its airspace to Pakistani airlines. Pakistan responded with similar restrictions, and reports suggest exchanges of fire have occurred along the Line of Control (LoC).
