- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 02 May 2025 08:21 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid the rising concerns over escalating tensions in South Asia, US Vice President JD Vance has urged India to respond with restraint to avoid a broader regional conflict. Vance also called on Pakistan to cooperate in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
US Vice President Urges Immediate Action
“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” Vance said to Fox News. He added, “We hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they’re responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with.”
The remarks are made days after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, which killed 25 tourists and one local civilian. The attack, which occurred in Baisaran valley, is being referred to as the worst civilian attack in Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Vice President Vance was in India for four days when the attack occurred. He had already condemned the violence and expressed sympathy with the victims' families in an X (formerly Twitter) statement.
Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn this horrific attack. https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 22, 2025
India has openly blamed Pakistan for harboring the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack. Pakistan has denied this and has demanded a 'neutral and transparent' international investigation. After the terror attack, India had suspended a major water-sharing agreement with Pakistan. The two countries have since closed their airspace to each other's airlines.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also separately called Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasised the need for cooperation from both countries. The US Department of State says that Washington is maintaining contact with its nuclear-armed neighbors and employing all manner of diplomatic tools to prevent further escalation. Though the situation is still precarious, Washington reiterated its support for India's anti-terror efforts and urged both sides to negotiate and exercise restraint.
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