US Vice President JD Vance has said that he hopes India will respond carefully to the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. He asked both India and Pakistan to avoid any big regional fight. He also urged Pakistan to help India in catching the terrorists behind the attack in Pahalgam.

“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn't lead to a broader regional conflict. And 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,” Mr Vance said in a podcast interview with Fox News.

Mr Vance was in India with his family when the attack happened in Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist spot in Pahalgam. He later called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to condemn the attack and offer support. According to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, Mr Vance expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and said that the US stands with India in the fight against terrorism.

US leaders express support for India after attack

Vice President Vance also posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “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."

Other top US leaders, including President Donald Trump, also spoke out against the attack. They called it “terror” and “unconscionable”, but they did not directly blame Pakistan.

The terror attack took place last week when several terrorists entered Baisaran Valley and opened fire. It is one of the worst attacks since Article 370 was removed from Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. Twenty-six people died, including one tourist from Nepal. Many others were injured. Eyewitnesses said tourists ran in panic but had no place to hide in the open area.

In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and has sent back all Pakistani nationals living in the country. Security forces have started search operations to catch the attackers.

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