J.D. Vance, Vice President of the United States. Photo: Andreas Stroh
US Vice President J.D. Vance has called on India and Pakistan to de-escalate tensions, but stressed that the United States does not intend to interfere in a possible conflict between the two nuclear powers. He said this in an interview with Fox News on Thursday, commenting on the escalation of the situation after armed clashes that claimed nearly 50 lives.
“We want this situation to stabilise as soon as possible. But we cannot control these countries,” Vance said. He stressed that the US will not participate in a war that does not directly affect them: “It’s none of our business.”
The conflict escalated after a terrorist attack on 22 April in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 people. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the attack, but Pakistan denied any involvement and demanded an international investigation. The day before, both countries accused each other of drone strikes, and Pakistan’s defence minister said that “reprisals are becoming more and more inevitable”.
Despite a strategic partnership with India and a traditional alliance with Pakistan, Washington is currently limited to diplomatic efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held talks with both sides, calling for restraint.
“We hope this doesn’t escalate into a larger regional conflict or, God forbid, a nuclear war,” Vance said.
