Thu May 08 18:10:00 UTC 2025: ## US Urges Restraint Amidst Rising India-Pakistan Tensions Following Pahalgam Attack

**Washington, D.C. – May 3, 2025** – The United States has expressed serious concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, urging both nations to exercise restraint. US Vice President J.D. Vance, in an interview with Fox News, stated that the US is in close contact with both countries. He called on India to ensure its response to the attack does not escalate into a wider conflict, while also urging Pakistan to actively hunt down terrorists operating within its borders.

While acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “tough negotiator,” Vance also criticized India’s trade policies, alleging that India has “taken advantage” of the US for a long time and maintains a closed market for American agricultural products. He suggested that the ongoing Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) negotiations aim to rectify this imbalance, opening the Indian market to American technology and agricultural goods.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have also weighed in. Rubio condemned the attack and called for de-escalation from both sides, having spoken with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Hegseth, in a statement on X, offered strong support to India, expressing condolences for the victims and affirming the US stands with the Indian people. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has yet to respond to Vice President Vance’s comments. The situation remains tense as security concerns persist in the region.

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