Amid global outrage over the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, US Vice President JD Vance has strongly condemned the incident and urged both India and Pakistan to pursue a resolution that avoids regional destabilisation. In a podcast interview with Fox News, Mr. Vance called for measured retaliation from India and emphasized the need for Pakistan’s cooperation in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” Vance stated. “And we hope, frankly, that Pakistan— to the extent they are responsible—cooperates with India to ensure that these terrorists, often operating from within their territory, are hunted down and dealt with.”
A Personal Connection: Vance Was in India During the Attack
The Vice President’s comments come in the wake of a personal connection to the incident—he was on a private family visit to India when the April 22 terror attack occurred in Baisaran Valley, often dubbed “Mini Switzerland” for its scenic beauty and tourist appeal. The attack, reportedly orchestrated by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, left dozens injured, including foreign nationals.
Shortly after the attack, Mr. Vance personally called Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his condolences and reaffirming U.S. solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Vance conveyed that the United States stands ready to provide all necessary assistance, should India seek cooperation on intelligence or counter-terrorism operations.
Social Media Tribute and U.S. Political Response
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Vice President 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.”
The White House and senior U.S. leadership, including President Donald Trump, also issued statements condemning the violence. Though U.S. officials stopped short of directly accusing Pakistan of orchestrating the assault, many called it an act of terror that must not go unpunished.
Trump, in a separate press statement, said:
“The attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam is unconscionable. America stands with India. The perpetrators must be held accountable—there can be no safe haven for terror.”
India’s Firm Diplomatic Stand Against Pakistan
In the aftermath of the attack, the Indian government has taken strong diplomatic and strategic steps to pressure Pakistan. Among the most significant is the indefinite suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a 64-year-old agreement on water sharing between the two nations. This move, which many analysts view as a warning signal, reflects India’s zero-tolerance stance on state-sponsored terrorism.
Additionally, the Indian government has ordered the deportation of all Pakistani nationals currently in the country, including long-term visa holders, students, and workers, citing national security concerns.
Inside the Attack: 26 Dead in Broad Daylight Assault
The Pahalgam massacre has emerged as one of the most brutal terrorist attacks in the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. On April 22, multiple heavily armed terrorists descended upon Baisaran Valley, firing indiscriminately at unarmed tourists and locals. Among the deceased was one Nepali national, highlighting the attack’s cross-border impact.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes of chaos and helplessness as gunfire erupted in the open, unprotected valley. “There was nowhere to hide,” said a local pony operator who witnessed the massacre unfold. “Children and women were screaming. We just ran in all directions.”
The attackers are believed to have used body-mounted cameras to record the killings—raising fears that the footage could be used for terror propaganda by LeT or its affiliates.
Security Forces on High Alert
Following the attack, Indian security agencies launched massive cordon and search operations across Anantnag, Pulwama, and Baramulla districts, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continues its high-tech forensic investigation, including 3D mapping of the crime scene and satellite phone tracking. More than 150 individuals are currently in custody as part of the probe, which has also uncovered links to a previous attack in Sonamarg.
A Call for Accountability and Caution
Vice President Vance’s statement is seen as a delicate balancing act—voicing strong support for India while also calling on Pakistan to prevent escalation and rein in non-state actors. His comments signal the United States’ growing concern about terrorist safe havens in Pakistan and the volatile regional implications of continued cross-border militancy.
As the investigation into the Pahalgam attack deepens, international focus remains sharply fixed on how India will respond and whether Pakistan will face greater diplomatic isolation if found complicit.
