Pahalgam attack: US VP JD Vance says US hopes Pakistan cooperates with India against terrorists

In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has called for Pakistan to collaborate with India in combating terrorism. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 28 civilians, including 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali national, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

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The Pahalgam Attack: A Tragic Incident

On April 22, 2025, five armed militants launched a brutal assault on tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. The attackers, equipped with AK-47s and M4 carbines, targeted a group of tourists, reportedly segregating them based on religion before opening fire. The massacre left 28 dead and 20 injured, sending shockwaves across India and the international community. [1]

The Resistance Front (TRF), believed to be an offshoot of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility for the attack. However, four days later, the group retracted its claim, adding to the complexity of the investigation. [1]

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India's Response and Escalating Tensions

In response to the attack, India accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism and took several retaliatory measures:

- *Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty*: India placed the long-standing water-sharing agreement "in abeyance." [2]

- *Diplomatic Actions*: India expelled Pakistani diplomats, closed borders, and halted visa services for Pakistani nationals. [2]

- *Military Measures*: The Indian military was granted operational freedom, leading to increased military activities near the border. [3]

Pakistan, denying involvement in the attack, responded by suspending the 1972 Shimla Agreement, closing its airspace to Indian aircraft, and expelling Indian diplomats. [2]

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U.S. Vice President JD Vance's Statement

Amid escalating tensions, U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed hope that Pakistan would cooperate with India in targeting Pakistan-based militants. In an interview, Vance emphasized the importance of avoiding a broader regional conflict and stressed that Pakistan, if responsible, should act against militants operating from its territory. [4]

Vance's remarks represent a significant stance from the U.S., marking the closest the administration has come to linking Pakistan to extremism in India since the attack. While President Trump and other top officials have condemned the attack and supported India, they have avoided directly blaming Pakistan. [4]

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International Efforts to De-escalate the Crisis

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has engaged in diplomatic discussions with both Indian and Pakistani leaders to mitigate the crisis:

- *Communication with India*: Rubio expressed sorrow for the victims and reaffirmed U.S. support against terrorism in talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. [5]

- *Dialogue with Pakistan*: Rubio urged Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to demonstrate sincerity through concrete actions, such as reducing support for militants. Sharif denied involvement in the attack and suggested an international investigation. [5]

The United Nations and China have also called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions. [6]

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The Path Forward

The Pahalgam attack has brought India-Pakistan relations to a critical low, with both nations taking retaliatory measures that have heightened the risk of a broader conflict. The international community, led by the United States, is actively working to de-escalate the situation and encourage cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism.

Vice President JD Vance's call for Pakistan to collaborate with India against terrorism underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a united front against extremist threats.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the hope remains that diplomatic efforts will prevail, preventing further violence and fostering a path toward peace.

----- what might happen after this..... Everyone's opinion.