US Vice President backs India amid the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan

United States Vice President J D Vance expressed his hope that Pakistan, "to the extent that they are responsible," will assist India in pursuing terrorists who "sometimes operate" in their territory on Thursday, amid the increasing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Vance had called Prime Minister Modi to offer his sympathies while he was in India at the time of the incident. Actually, one of the first leaders to contact PM Modi was US President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Fox News, Vance added, “I am worried about any time you see a hot spot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers. We have been in close contact with our friends in India and Pakistan.”

“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that it doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict. And we hope that Pakistan, to the extent that they are responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with. That’s how we hope this unfolds,” he further commented.

On the second day of JD Vance's trip to India, the attack took place. "Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India," JD Vance posted on X (previously Twitter) following the incident. The beauty of this nation and its citizens has engulfed us in the last few days. As they grieve this terrible attack, our prayers and thoughts are with them.

Vance's remarks are consistent with the US State Department's. The department said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has our full support" and that the US is standing firm with India in the fight against terrorism. According to the statement, India and Pakistan have been urged by State Secretary Marco Rubio to "work toward a …responsible resolution that maintains long-term peace and regional stability in South Asia.”

His comments follow the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists shot and killed 26 civilians in the Baisaran meadow. India responded by taking a number of diplomatic actions against Pakistan, such as closing its airspace to Pakistani aircraft, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and denying visas to Pakistani people.

Written By: Aadrika Tayal