The US Vice President JD Vance stated on Thursday that Washington is hopeful India’s reaction to the recent incident in occupied Kashmir will not escalate into a wider 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’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” show.

Vance hoped Pakistan would cooperate with India to hunt down Pakistan-based militants.

“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,” Vance added.

“I’m worried about any time you see a hot spot breaking out, especially between two nuclear powers.”

Top US leaders, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the attack, calling it “terror” and “unconscionable,” while expressing support for India without directly blaming Pakistan.

India is an important US partner as Washington aims to counter China’s rising influence. Pakistan remains Washington’s ally even as its importance diminished after the 2021 US withdrawal from neighboring Afghanistan.

Pahalgam attack

India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack that killed 26. Pakistan denies responsibility and called for a neutral probe.

After the attack, India suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that regulates water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries, and Pakistan closed airspace to Indian airlines.

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