US Vice President JD Vance asserted that Washington would not intervene militarily in the intensifying conflict between India and Pakistan, stating a potential war between the nuclear-armed neighbours is “fundamentally none of our business,” according to Reuters.
The remarks, made during a Fox News interview on 9 May 2025, underscore the Trump administration’s controversial non-interventionist stance even as cross-border strikes and drone attacks have killed nearly 50 people in recent days.
Vance acknowledged the US desire for de-escalation but emphasised America’s limited leverage.
We want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible. We can’t control these countries, though. What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit, but we’re not going to get involved in the middle of war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it.
The comments reflect Washington’s strategic priorities, with India viewed as a key counterbalance to China and Pakistan retaining ally status despite diminished clout post-Afghan withdrawal. Analysts suggest the US focus on Ukraine and Gaza has diverted diplomatic bandwidth, leaving South Asia’s crisis to regional actors.
The latest flare-up began on 22 April, when militants killed 26 in Indian-administered Kashmir—an attack New Delhi blamed on Islamabad, which denied involvement. India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor on 7 May targeted alleged terror camps in Pakistan, sparking a cycle of missile strikes and drone incursions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, urging direct dialogue and “immediate de-escalation.” President Donald Trump labelled the tensions a “shame,” urging both nations to halt their “tit-for-tat” exchanges.
Vance, however, ruled out mediation, stressing the US “can’t tell India or Pakistan to lay down arms.” His remarks align with the administration’s “America First” doctrine, which prioritises disengagement from protracted foreign disputes.
