US Calls for Calm as Tensions Rise Between India and Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack
US Vice President JD Vance has urged India to exercise restraint in the aftermath of the recent deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), expressing concern over the potential for a wider regional conflict.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance emphasized, “We hope India’s reaction remains measured and does not lead to an escalation that could destabilize the entire region.”
Vance also noted that the United States expects Pakistan to assist in identifying and confronting those responsible, stating that any involved parties must be held accountable.
The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals—mostly tourists—was among the deadliest in the region in over two decades. India has hinted at cross-border links, while Pakistan has denied any involvement and called for an impartial international investigation.
Although President Donald Trump and other senior US officials condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India, they refrained from assigning direct blame to Pakistan.
Washington continues to engage with both New Delhi and Islamabad, acknowledging their crucial roles in South Asia. India remains a vital part of the US Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in countering China’s influence, while Pakistan’s geopolitical role has shifted since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The US State Department confirmed ongoing diplomatic communications with both nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently spoke separately with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, advocating for restraint and a peaceful resolution.
In response to the attack, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, restricted Pakistani air access, and carried out military strikes along the Line of Control. Pakistan retaliated by limiting Indian diplomatic activity and denied any role in the attack.
Meanwhile, at the United Nations, Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad met with Secretary-General António Guterres to discuss the rising tensions. According to a press statement from Pakistan’s UN mission, the ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed Guterres had spoken with leaders from both countries and had offered to mediate the situation, though a visit to the region would require mutual agreement.
