In the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, visiting United States Vice President JD Vance has called for restraint and regional cooperation to prevent any escalation between India and Pakistan.
Speaking to Fox News during his official visit to India from April 21–24, Vance said he was deeply concerned about the potential for tensions to spiral between two nuclear-armed neighbors. “Sure, I am worried about any time you see a hotspot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers. We have obviously been in close contact with our friends in India and Pakistan,” he remarked.
The Pahalgam attack, which took place on April 22 in the picturesque Baisaran meadow of Jammu and Kashmir, targeted a group of tourists—most of them Hindus—who had come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Valley. It stands as one of the worst civilian terror incidents in the region in recent years.
Vance was in India with his wife Usha and children when the attack occurred. Despite the tragedy, he lauded the resilience and spirit of the Indian people. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “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.”
In a firm yet measured statement, the Vice President called on Islamabad to demonstrate accountability and act against terror elements that operate within its borders. “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict. And 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,” he told Fox News.
According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Vance personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express solidarity and offer assistance. “Vice President @VP @JDVance called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of India in this difficult hour. He expressed that the United States is ready to provide all assistance in the joint fight against terrorism,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.
