India-Pakistan escalation 'none of our business': JD Vance steers clear from stand-off

The United States will not directly intervene in the escalating tensions between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, even as it actively pushes both nations towards de-escalation, US Vice-President J.D. Vance confirmed. The statement came on Friday, May 9, 2025, amidst a volatile situation marked by deadly cross-border strikes and military exchanges.   

"We’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business," Vance stated unequivocally during a television interview. However, he also conveyed the administration's unease, adding, "Look, we’re concerned anytime nuclear powers collide and have a major conflict." This underscores the delicate balance Washington seeks to strike – expressing concern and encouraging restraint without committing to direct involvement.   

The current flare-up ignited a day prior, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, when India launched "Operation Sindoor." New Delhi described these as targeted strikes against "terror infrastructure" located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This decisive military action was a direct response to a brutal terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people.   

In a swift and direct retaliation, Pakistan attempted to strike several Indian military installations on Thursday night. The attempted offensive reportedly involved missiles and drones targeting key stations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and other locations. However, Indian air defence systems successfully thwarted these attacks, preventing further escalation on the ground at those sites.   

Following the thwarted Pakistani retaliation, New Delhi issued a firm statement. An official spokesperson emphasised that India remains "fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people," signalling a readiness to respond to any further provocations while also highlighting its defensive posture in the face of Pakistan's attempted strikes.