US Urges India and Pakistan to Restrain Tensions After Kashmir Tourist Massacre

By A Staff Reporter

WASHINGTON: The United States has called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint following a deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last week, which has escalated tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The massacre, which occurred in the Pahalgam area on April 22, has sparked a renewed geopolitical crisis in the disputed Kashmir region, with both sides accusing each other of involvement.

US Vice President JD Vance urged India to respond to the terrorist attack with caution to avoid triggering a larger regional conflict. Vance stressed, “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict.” He further urged Pakistan to take responsibility, if applicable, and assist India in tracking down the militants behind the attack, who are believed to be operating from Pakistan-controlled territory.

The United States has been consistently pressing both nations to work together to de-escalate the situation, fearing that any further military retaliation could risk a full-scale war. Vance’s comments mirrored those of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who spoke with Indian and Pakistani officials earlier this week.

In his call with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rubio expressed his condolences over the deaths and reaffirmed the US's commitment to supporting India in its fight against terrorism. He also urged India to act with restraint. In his conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rubio emphasized the need for Pakistan to condemn the attack and cooperate in the investigation.