• US Vice President JD Vance calls for restraint from India in response to the Kashmir attack.
• Vance urges Pakistan to cooperate with India to address terrorism.
• Tensions escalate following a deadly attack that left 26 dead in Kashmir.
• The US maintains diplomatic communications with both nations to foster peace.

In a recent interview, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed hope that India’s response to the Islamist militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, would avoid escalating into a broader regional conflict. He stated, “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict,” emphasizing the precarious nature of relations given the nuclear status of both countries. Vance also called on Pakistan to cooperate with India in hunting down terrorists operating from its territory, indicating a direct engagement on the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, as noted in multiple reports from Newsweek, TRT Global, and South China Morning Post.

Vance made these statements as tensions escalated following a terrorist attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, primarily tourists. The U.S. has consistently urged both nations to de-escalate and seek a peaceful resolution. “We know that there are terrorist elements that sometimes operate out of Pakistan,” he acknowledged, though he noted that the extent of governmental responsibility is still under investigation. Recent military exercises by Pakistan, described by its media, have only heightened these tensions, according to sources including IndiaTimes and Dawn.

The diplomatic landscape is complicated, as India continues to accuse Pakistan of terrorism while Islamabad denies involvement and calls for independent investigations. There have been increasing military tensions, including India suspending the Indus Water Treaty and closing airspace to Pakistani airlines. These retaliatory measures point to long-standing animosities, as discussed in reports by Reuters and IndiaTimes.

As Washington seeks to balance its relationships with both nations, the U.S. government has contacted Indian and Pakistani officials in efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, reinforcing its pivotal role in South Asian diplomacy. This engagement is crucial as the potential for further conflict looms large following the recent violent incidents, as noted by several reputable sources including TRT Global, Dawn, and Reuters.