Key Points
- US Vice President JD Vance has categorically ruled out American intervention in the escalating India-Pakistan conflict, calling it “fundamentally none of our business”.
- The US is urging both nuclear-armed nations to de-escalate and resolve tensions through diplomatic channels, not military involvement.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held separate calls with India’s S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, pressing for immediate de-escalation and an end to support for terrorist groups.
- The US has issued urgent advisories for its citizens and consulate staff in Pakistan, especially Lahore, to evacuate or shelter in place due to active conflict zones and airspace disruptions.
- President Trump has offered to mediate if requested, but the administration’s stance remains focused on non-interference and diplomatic encouragement.
New Delhi: As India and Pakistan exchange military strikes and rhetoric in one of the most severe escalations in decades, the United States has made its position clear: it will not intervene directly in the conflict.
JD Vance: ‘Fundamentally None of Our Business’
US Vice President JD Vance, in a candid interview, stated that the India-Pakistan dispute is “fundamentally none of our business.” He stressed that while the US is deeply concerned about the risks of conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors, it cannot control the actions of either country. “We can’t tell the Indians to lay down their arms, nor can we expect this from the Pakistanis. Our only job is to encourage de-escalation through diplomatic means,” Vance said.
He reiterated that the US would not get “involved in the middle of a war,” emphasizing that America’s influence is limited to urging both sides to avoid a broader conflict. Vance’s comments came as India continues anti-terror operations under ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the deadly Pahalgam attack, and after Pakistan’s failed missile and drone strikes on Indian cities were thwarted by Indian air defenses.
US Diplomatic Push: Rubio’s Calls for Restraint
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been actively engaged in diplomatic outreach, holding separate calls with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Rubio pressed for immediate de-escalation and encouraged both sides to pursue direct dialogue. He also urged Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups, echoing longstanding US concerns about cross-border terrorism.
Rubio reaffirmed US condolences for the victims of recent terror attacks and expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism, while also conveying sorrow for reported civilian casualties in Pakistan. Both leaders, however, signaled readiness to respond firmly to any further escalation.
US Issues Urgent Safety Advisories
With the situation on the ground rapidly deteriorating, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan have issued urgent advisories for American citizens and staff, especially in Lahore, to evacuate or shelter in place. Reports of drone explosions, airspace violations, and military strikes have led to partial airspace closures and disrupted flight schedules. The US has reminded its citizens of the “Do Not Travel” advisory for areas near the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control, and to reconsider travel to Pakistan as a whole.
Trump’s Offer and the Limits of US Engagement
President Donald Trump has described the tit-for-tat exchanges as “terrible” and expressed hope that both countries will “stop now.” While offering to mediate if requested, Trump’s administration has maintained a hands-off approach, focusing instead on encouraging restraint and dialogue.
The US has firmly ruled out direct involvement in the India-Pakistan conflict, limiting its role to diplomatic encouragement for de-escalation. As tensions remain high, Washington’s priority is the safety of its citizens in the region and the prevention of a wider regional or nuclear conflict.
