US Vice President JD Vance Calls on Pakistan to Cooperate with India Following Pulwama Terrorist Attack; 26 Dead, US Urges De-escalation.
New Delhi/Washington: The United States has officially responded to the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, stating that if Pakistan is found to have any role in the attack, it should fully cooperate with India in the investigation. This statement was made by US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.
He stated, “We expect Pakistan, if they are responsible, to cooperate with India in apprehending and bringing to justice the terrorists behind this horrific attack.”
26 Killed in Attack; Attack Occurred During Vance's India Visit
The Pulwama terrorist attack resulted in the death of 25 tourists and one local citizen. The attack occurred while US Vice President Vance and his family were on a four-day visit to India. This is Vance's first public comment on the incident.
India Entitled to Respond, but Restraint Expected: US
Vance stated that the US expects India to respond to the attack, but that the response should not further escalate regional conflict. He said, "India has every right to respond, but we hope that response will be strategic and measured.”
Rubio Speaks with Both India and Pakistan
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also intensified diplomatic efforts following the attack. He spoke by phone with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He urged the Pakistani leadership to fully cooperate in the investigation and work towards de-escalating tensions with India.
India Issues Strong Warning
Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Thursday that India will give a precise and firm response to every cowardly act of terrorism. He said, “Those who think such an attack is their victory are mistaken. This is Modi's India; every sacrifice will be avenged.”
