U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that Washington hopes India’s response to the deadly Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir will not trigger a wider regional conflict.
The April 22 assault, which claimed the lives of 26 people—mostly tourists—was among the deadliest in the region since 2000. India has hinted at cross-border involvement, though no concrete evidence has been presented. Pakistan’s leadership has firmly denied any involvement and has called for an independent investigation.
“Our hope is that India reacts in a manner that avoids broader regional instability,” Vance stated in an interview on Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier. He also urged Pakistan to cooperate in pursuing those responsible, should any link to its territory be proven.
Top U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, have strongly condemned the attack, labeling it “terrorism” and “unconscionable.” While they expressed full support for India, they have refrained from directly accusing Pakistan.
The United States considers India a vital partner in countering China’s growing influence, while Pakistan remains a U.S. ally, though its strategic importance has lessened following America’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In recent days, the U.S. has called on both India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions and seek a “responsible solution.” The State Department confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagement with both countries, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken with both Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“We are engaging with both sides at various levels,” State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, emphasizing Washington’s desire for a peaceful resolution. She reiterated the U.S. support for India in its fight against terrorism and said President Trump had communicated this directly to Prime Minister Modi.
Secretary Rubio also encouraged both nations to focus on long-term regional stability. However, tensions remain high, with Modi vowing retribution and reports from Pakistan warning of potential military action from India.
Following the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and both nations closed their airspace to one another. Cross-border shelling has also resumed.
Meanwhile, at the United Nations, Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad met with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the escalating situation in South Asia. According to Pakistan’s UN mission, the ambassador reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to regional peace and stressed the need for de-escalation.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General had offered his good offices during phone calls with leaders from both India and Pakistan, but would only consider travel to the region if both parties agree to mediation.
Separately, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed his Panamanian counterpart, Javier Eduardo Martinze-Acha Vasquez, on the unfolding crisis. Dar condemned India’s “provocative propaganda” and unilateral actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law.
Panama’s foreign minister urged restraint from both sides and reaffirmed, along with Dar, a shared commitment to peace and security as fellow non-permanent members of the UN Security Council.
