US VP Vance: Pakistan-India tensions ‘not our business’, ‘can’t control them’

WASHINGTON: In a recent interview, United States (US) Vice President JD Vance stated that tensions between Pakistan and India were “not our business”, and that the United States “can’t control” the two nuclear-armed states.

The statement sharply contrasts with earlier remarks from a US State Department spokesperson, who emphasised the need for de-escalation and dialogue between the two countries.

Read more: Indian Ministry of Defence confirms ‘Operation Sindoor’

During an appearance on the right-wing leaning Fox News, he acknowledged the importance of reducing tensions. However, Vance stated that the US would not intervene in a potential conflict between India and Pakistan. “We want this thing to de-escalate as quickly as possible. We can’t control these countries though”, he said.

The US Vice President, who is married to an Indian-origin woman, Usha Bala Chilukuri Vance, further added that, “We’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it”.

Such a position diverges from the usual stance the United States takes to important world events, especially those with severe repercussions. A war between two hostile, nuclear-armed nations would have consequences for entire world. However, Vance’s stance is consistent with current Republican president, Donald Trump’s “c” policy.

Read more: Pakistan downs another Indian drone in Bahawalnagar

The backdrop to these latest developments includes escalating tensions between Pakistan and India, particularly following a series of military confrontations that began on May 7, when India launched several missiles on Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed.

Recently, Pakistan armed forces downed an Indian drone in Bahawalpur, marking the 26th Indian drone shot down by Pakistan in a single day. The government has characterised these actions as violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism with providing any evidence and threatened to take military response following the Pahalgam attack on April 22 where five gunmen killed 26 people in Indian-occupied Kashmir.

Indian government launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, which has so far included missile strikes and drone attacks.

While the situation has drawn international concern, much of the reaction has merely called for de-escalation. The US, in particular, maintains a strategic partnership with India to counter China’s rising influence.

Meanwhile, its relationship with Pakistan remains complex, especially following the US withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan in 2021; diminishing Pakistan’s importance as an ally. Throughout its history, the US has been an extremely unreliable ally to Pakistan, be it the 1965 war or 1971 crisis.

Many international observers also suspect US is more concerned with hatching out a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia and dealing with the Israeli genocide in Gaza. This leaves the world’s most powerful military with little time for South Asians politics.

Read more: Indian claims of attacks fabricated and baseless: Pakistan

While the US State Department called for dialogue and a half to violence, Vance’s remarks suggests a more hands-off approach; indicating that the US may prioritise its interests elsewhere.