Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. is unlikely to get involved in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, asserting that it’s “basically none of our business.” He expressed this view during an interview on “The Story” with Martha McCollum on Thursday. Vance emphasized, “We cannot control these countries. We’re basically not going to be involved in a war that doesn’t relate to America’s ability to manage it.”
His remarks come in the wake of President Donald Trump offering assistance in mending relations between the two countries. Trump, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, noted, “I want to see them solve it. I hope they can stop right now.” He seemed to be advocating for peaceful resolution.
Pakistan has reported downing over two dozen Indian drones
Despite his non-interventionist stance, Vance expressed confidence that the conflict wouldn’t escalate into nuclear warfare, urging both nations to avoid further escalation. He stressed that, “The U.S. cannot instruct Indians or Pakistanis to disarm. We plan to continue engaging through diplomatic avenues.”
Vance’s comments came in response to a severe terrorist attack that resulted in the death of 26 mostly Indian tourists in the disputed Kashmir region. Following this, India targeted nine locations in what it terms enemy territory, citing intelligence that pointed to a Pakistan-based terrorist group as responsible for the attack.
On the other hand, the Pakistani military claimed that Indian actions typified “acts of war,” reporting the death of at least 26 people, including women and children. Pakistan justified its retaliation by stating that it had shot down five Indian fighter jets in the wake of the Indian strike.
Subsequently, India deployed drones into Pakistani airspace, but Pakistani forces reported successfully intercepting them. Tensions continue to rise, raising concerns of a protracted conflict.
Trump extends support to both nations amidst escalating tensions.
Vance has positioned himself as a voice for the more isolationist faction within the Trump administration’s foreign policy. Critics have labeled this approach as isolationist. He remarked that the U.S. made a mistake during its attack campaign against Houthi rebels back in March. “I think we’re making a mistake,” he said, noting that he believed there was a disconnect between the President’s message regarding European affairs and the situations unfolding elsewhere.
Potential future role of Vance highlighted by Trump
Trump seems to endorse Vance’s restrained approach. In a recent NBC interview, he mentioned Vance as a potential successor. “You look at Marco and you see the fantastic JD Vance,” Trump stated, referring to Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
