Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a failed Pakistani missile attack on Indian military installations, US Vice President JD Vance has made it clear that Washington will not get involved militarily in the regional conflict.
Speaking to Fox News, Vance said, “What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit, but we’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business.” Vance, known for advocating reduced US involvement in foreign wars, emphasized that the conflict was beyond America’s control. “America can’t tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can’t tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms,” he added, while expressing hope that the situation would not escalate into a broader war or nuclear confrontation.
The comments came hours after India’s air defense systems intercepted and neutralized at least eight missiles launched from Pakistan, which targeted key military locations including Jammu and Pathankot.
In response to the attacks and following the April 22 terror incident in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, India launched Operation Sindoor early Wednesday. The operation targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan’s Punjab province.
US President Donald Trump also addressed the issue, stating his desire to see both countries “stop” the escalating tit-for-tat actions. “I know both very well and I want to see them work it out. And if I can do anything to help, I will be there,” Trump said.
While artillery shelling by the Pakistan army continues along the Line of Control, the Biden-Trump administration’s current stance indicates a preference for diplomatic resolution without direct involvement.
India has maintained that its military actions are targeted only at terror infrastructure and are in self-defense. The situation remains tense, but both nations are reportedly keeping diplomatic channels open under international observation.
