Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that while the US is concerned about any conflict involving nuclear-armed nations, Washington cannot dictate actions to either India or Pakistan. Instead, the US will continue to encourage both sides to de-escalate through diplomatic channels.
The remarks come amid heightened military activity between the two nations following India’s Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which claimed 26 lives, including tourists, on April 22.
On Thursday night, Pakistan attempted to strike multiple Indian military installations using drones and missiles, targeting locations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. However, India’s defense systems successfully neutralized the incoming threats, preventing casualties and damage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken separately with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging immediate de-escalation. Rubio reaffirmed US support for direct dialogue between the two nations and reiterated Washington’s commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation with India.
Despite the US distancing itself from direct involvement, Vance acknowledged concerns about the possibility of a broader regional war or a nuclear conflict. He expressed hope that diplomatic efforts and “cooler heads” in both India and Pakistan would prevent the situation from spiraling further.
