Saturday, March 29, 2025
JD Vance on Tracing Terrorists Behind Pahalgam Attack
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has urged India to respond cautiously to the recent deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need to avoid a wider regional conflict. He also called on Pakistan to assist in tracking down the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam incident, which claimed 26 lives.
Speaking on a podcast with Fox News, Vance said, “Our hope is that India responds in a way that avoids a broader regional confrontation. And we hope that—clearly—Pakistan, to the extent they are responsible, will cooperate with India to ensure that terrorists operating from their territory are identified and brought to justice.”
Last month, following the attack, Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the act of terror and express deep condolences for the loss of life. In a statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the U.S. stands with the people of India and is ready to offer full support in the shared fight against terrorism.
“Vice President @VP @JDVance spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi to condemn the heinous terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir. He expressed heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives and reiterated that the U.S. stands with India in this difficult time…” — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIindia), April 23, 2025
“Usha and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. Over the past few days, we have been moved by the beauty of this country and its people. As we mourn this horrific attack, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected.”
Several top U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the attack, labeling it an “act of terrorism” and a “grave injustice.” While not directly blaming Pakistan, they expressed strong solidarity with India.
Last week, in the Pahalgam valley—known as the “Mini Switzerland” for its scenic mountains and lush orchards—heavily armed terrorists opened fire, killing 26 people, including a Nepali citizen, and injuring many more. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as tourists tried to flee the gunfire but found little cover in the open spaces.
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
Indian security forces have since launched a large-scale operation to track down the terrorists involved. In response, India has taken firm action against Pakistan, including indefinitely suspending the decades-old Indus Water Treaty and sending back all Pakistani nationals residing in the country.
This attack is among the deadliest in the region since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
