(Image source from: Twitter.com/VP)

JD Vance has stated that the United States will remain uninvolved in the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, describing the conflict between these two nuclear nations as “essentially none of our concern.” His comments were made during a Fox News interview, where he emphasized that while the US aims to promote de-escalation, it cannot compel either nation to “surrender their weapons.” Vance explained that the US could only encourage the parties to reduce tensions but would not intervene in a conflict that does not impact America’s capacity to manage it. He added that the US would “persist in addressing this situation through diplomatic efforts.”

“Our aspiration and belief are that this does not escalate into a larger regional war or, heaven forbid, a nuclear crisis,” Vance expressed. “At this moment, we do not anticipate that occurring.” His statements echo Donald Trump’s “America first” foreign policy, which advocates for a withdrawal from US involvement in international disputes. Both Trump and Vance have cautioned that the US is prepared to step back from facilitating a ceasefire in Ukraine if the conflicting parties are unable to be encouraged to engage in direct negotiations.

On Thursday evening, India reported successfully countering missile and drone assaults launched by Pakistan, marking the latest in a series of reciprocal attacks between the nations. Indian missile strikes targeted Pakistan early Wednesday, resulting in 31 fatalities. India asserted that its aim was to strike “terrorist infrastructure,” while Pakistan refuted claims of any terrorist groups operating in the areas affected by the Indian attacks.

As Vance indicated the US's intent to adopt a reduced role in mediating foreign conflicts, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with leaders from both countries, urging for an “immediate de-escalation” of the hostilities. Additionally, foreign ministers from Iran and Saudi Arabia arrived in Delhi on Thursday.

Vance, who has been influential in shaping foreign policy in the new Trump administration, visited India the previous month. During his visit, he remarked that while India had the right to respond to attacks from “terrorists” based in Pakistan, the US hoped that such actions would not lead to a wider regional conflict. “We hope that India’s response to this act of terrorism does not trigger a larger regional confrontation,” Vance commented, referencing a recent Islamist militant incident in Kashmir. “Furthermore, we wish that Pakistan, to the extent that they bear responsibility, will collaborate with India to ensure that terrorists operating from their territory are pursued and dealt with appropriately.”