JD Vance, the US vice-president, asserted that the United States would not intervene in the conflict between nuclear powers India and Pakistan, deeming it as “fundamentally none of our business.” During an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that while the US would aim to de-escalate the situation, they could not compel either side to cease hostilities. He stressed the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving the conflict and expressed hope that it would not escalate into a broader regional or nuclear war.

Vance’s stance aligns with Donald Trump’s “America first” foreign policy, advocating for a withdrawal from mediating foreign conflicts. This position was further emphasized by warnings that the US would walk away from brokering a ceasefire in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine if direct talks between the conflicting parties could not be facilitated.

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalated, with both countries engaging in tit-for-tat attacks, Vance reiterated the US’s intention to reduce its involvement in mediating international disputes. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for an immediate de-escalation in the fighting, with Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers also engaging in diplomatic efforts.

Having recently visited India, Vance emphasized the importance of preventing retaliatory actions from spiraling into a broader regional conflict, urging cooperation between India and Pakistan to combat terrorism effectively. Overall, Vance’s statements reflect a shift towards a more hands-off approach in foreign conflicts, prioritizing diplomatic solutions and de-escalation efforts.