JD Vance Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack, Urges Restraint to Avoid India-Pakistan Conflict

US Vice President JD Vance, who was on his first official visit to India from April 21 to 24, reacted strongly to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Vance expressed his condolences and emphasized that the United States hopes the tragedy does not escalate into a larger regional conflict between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.

The attack occurred on the second day of Vance’s India visit and involved a brutal assault by terrorists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, a scenic area in the Kashmir Valley. Most of the victims were Hindu tourists visiting the region. The massacre was among the deadliest targeting civilians in Kashmir in recent memory.

Speaking to Fox News, Vance said, “Sure, I am worried any time you see a hotspot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers. We have obviously been in close contact with our friends in India and Pakistan.” He stressed the importance of both nations exercising restraint, adding, “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict.”

Vance also addressed the need for accountability, indirectly urging Pakistan to take action against terror groups. “We hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they’re responsible, cooperates with India to make sure that the terrorists sometimes operating in their territory are hunted down and dealt with,” he stated.

In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Vance wrote, “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.”

Following the incident, Vance personally called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express solidarity and support. According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Vance “strongly condemned the dastardly terror attack” and assured that the United States “stands with the people of India in this difficult hour.”

Jaiswal added that Vance conveyed the readiness of the US to assist India in the joint fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi, in turn, thanked Vance and US President Donald Trump for their messages of support and solidarity.

The terror strike has reignited concerns over cross-border terrorism and has drawn global attention to the fragile peace in the Kashmir region.