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KARACHI: As the United States continues to engage with both India and Pakistan in an effort to defuse tensions in the Subcontinent, Vice President JD Vance has leaned on New Delhi to ensure that its response to the Pahalgam attack does not lead to a broader regional conflict.
“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” he said in an interview on Fox News.
“And we hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they’re responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with,” the vice president added.
Although top US leaders, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the attack, calling it “terror” and “unconscionable,” they have avoided blaming Pakistan directly.
Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also urged both countries to work with each other to de-escalate tensions and arrive at a “responsible solution.” Pakistan has already expressed its willingness to join a neutral probe into the attack in India-held Kashmir.
At her last press briefing, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the issues in the region were “not unfamiliar to us”, adding that the administration continued to remain in touch with the governments of both countries.
“We are asking for a responsible resolution from both parties.”
Europe concerned
Meanwhile, the European Union’s top diplomat said she had asked her counterparts in India and Pakistan to de-escalate, Politico.eu reported.
“Rising tensions between India and Pakistan are alarming. I urge both sides to show restraint and pursue dialogue to ease the situation,” the EU’s High Representative Kaja Kallas said, adding she said as much to S. Jaishankar and Ishaq Dar.
“Escalation helps no one,” Anadolu Agency quoted her as saying.
According to Radio Pakistan, during their call, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar apprised the EU’s High Representative of recent regional developments, categorically rejecting India’s baseless accusations and inflammatory propaganda.
He expressed concern over India’s decision to hold in abeyance Indus Waters Treaty — a clear violation of treaty obligations and international law.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace and regional stability, Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s proposal for an independent and transparent investigation.
Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2025
