US Vice President JD Vance on Thursday said that he hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down terrorists in its territory following the deadly terrorist attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam where 26 civilians were killed.
He also said that he anticipated India would respond to the attack in such a way that it would not lead to a broader regional conflict.
“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” Vance said in an interview on Fox News.
“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,” he added.
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Rajnath Singh Speaks To US Defence Secretary
On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth amid heightened tension between India and Pakistan in the aftermath of the April 22 attack.
As per the Defence Ministry, the US has reiterated its support for India’s “right to defend itself.”
Hegseth expressed his “deepest sympathies” for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in the dastardly terror attack, said the Office of Raksha Mantri on X.
He reiterated that “the U.S. stands in solidarity with India and supports India’s right to defend itself,” adding that the United States government extends “strong support” to India in its fight against terrorism.
UNSC Ready To Discuss Situation
The United Nations Security Council has expressed its readiness to discuss the situation between India and Pakistan if such a request is made, said President of the Council for the month of May Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris on Thursday.
“This is an issue which is now ongoing, evolving,” Sekeris said at a press briefing, reported PTI.
“We are listening, of course, we are monitoring closely the situation and will be seized on the matter, of course. This is certain that will happen,” he added.
