US Vice President says Pakistan must help hunt down attackers “to the extent they’re responsible,” as India mourns its dead and launches sweeping countermeasures.
May 2, 2025 | Washington/New Delhi:
US Vice President JD Vance has urged India to respond to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack with restraint to avoid a “broader regional conflict,” while calling on Pakistan to cooperate in identifying and neutralizing the terrorists responsible for the carnage.
“To the extent that they’re responsible, we hope Pakistan cooperates with India to make sure the terrorists operating on their soil are hunted down and dealt with,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News.
The attack, which killed 26 people including one Nepali national, took place last week in the scenic Baisaran Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, a popular tourist destination known as “Mini Switzerland.”
Vance and his family were reportedly in India at the time of the attack.
Vice President @VP @JDVance called Prime Minister @narendramodi and strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed his deepest condolences on the loss of lives and reiterated that the United States stands with the people of India in this…
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 23, 2025
🇺🇸 US Expresses Solidarity With India
Vice President Vance had earlier called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express deep condolences and reiterated US support in India’s fight against terrorism.
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“Usha and I extend our condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Over the past few days, we have been overcome with the beauty of this country and its people,” he posted on X.
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. https://t.co/cUAyMXje5A
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 22, 2025
The White House, along with President Donald Trump, also condemned the attack, calling it “unconscionable,” while stopping short of directly naming Pakistan.
🕯️ Panic in Paradise
Eyewitness accounts describe chaos and terror as armed assailants stormed the open meadows of Baisaran, indiscriminately firing at tourists who had little room to take cover.
The attack has been deemed one of the deadliest in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
In response, India has launched a massive manhunt for the perpetrators, while taking firm diplomatic steps including:
- Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty
- Sending back Pakistani nationals
- Reducing diplomatic ties
🔍 Pakistan Under Scrutiny
India has blamed the Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba and backed by Pakistan’s deep state, for the attack.
While Pakistan has denied any involvement, the US has signaled it will be watching Islamabad’s actions closely.
🏷️ Tags
Pahalgam Attack, JD Vance India Tour, US-India Relations, Pakistan Terror Links, Article 370, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Indus Waters Treaty, Kashmir Terrorism