Washington: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, United States Vice President JD Vance has made a striking statement, asserting that the conflict is “fundamentally not our business” and that the US will not directly intervene.
In a televised interview aired, Vance said that while the US would encourage both nations to de-escalate the situation, it cannot — and should not — control their actions.
“We cannot control these countries,” Vance stated. “Fundamentally, India has its issues with Pakistan, and Pakistan has responded to India. We can urge both sides to tone down the tensions, but we’re not going to get in the middle of a war that isn’t our business and is beyond America’s ability to control.”
His comments come at a time when border skirmishes and diplomatic exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have sparked international concern.
The Vice President emphasized the need for restraint, expressing hope that the standoff does not spiral into a larger regional conflict or, worse, a nuclear confrontation. “It’s in everyone’s interest — regionally and globally — that this tension doesn’t escalate further,” he added.
Vance’s remarks signal a clear departure from past US strategies that involved more active engagement in South Asia’s conflicts. His statement may also reflect the current administration’s broader foreign policy approach of cautious involvement, particularly in regions where US influence has traditionally been limited.
While officials in New Delhi and Islamabad are yet to officially respond to the comments, Vance’s statement is likely to trigger discussions on America’s role and responsibility in managing global flashpoints — especially those involving nuclear powers.
