As tensions between India and Pakistan intensified, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that the conflict was “fundamentally none of our business” during an interview. While suggesting that the United States could advise both nations to de-escalate, he emphasized that it was not America’s fight.
However, within 24 hours, Vance and Marco Rubio, serving as both national security adviser and secretary of state, were drawn into the situation due to escalating military actions, including serious dogfights between the Indian and Pakistani Air Forces and Pakistan deploying 300 to 400 drones into Indian airspace. The situation became more alarming when explosions were reported at the Noor Khan air base in Rawalpindi, a crucial military installation for Pakistan.
The fighting erupted following a terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 individuals, primarily Hindu tourists, on April 22. In response to the escalating violence, President Trump announced a cease-fire agreement between the two countries on Saturday morning.
A former U.S. official noted that Pakistan's primary concern is the potential for its nuclear command to be compromised. The missile strike on Noor Khan was perceived as a warning from India regarding this risk. While there was uncertainty about U.S. intelligence indicating a rapid escalation towards nuclear conflict, local media reported that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened a meeting of the National Command Authority, which oversees nuclear decisions.
Despite the acknowledgment of the nuclear option by Pakistan, the defense minister publicly denied any meetings of the command authority. As tensions grew, U.S. officials recognized that merely issuing statements and making calls was insufficient to manage the situation effectively.
Following concerns about the conflict spiraling out of control, Vance reached out directly to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning of a potential escalation that could lead to full-scale war. While Modi listened to Vance's suggestions for de-escalation, he did not commit to any specific actions.
Rubio also engaged with key military and foreign officials in both India and Pakistan, though the effectiveness of these discussions was initially unclear. The State Department did not provide detailed briefings on these calls but described them as efforts to facilitate a cease-fire.
A senior Pakistani intelligence official credited American involvement, particularly Rubio’s actions, with helping to secure the cease-fire agreement. Nevertheless, reports indicated that cross-border firings continued even after the announcement.
Prime Minister Sharif publicly thanked President Trump for his role in achieving the cease-fire, while India disputed the claim of U.S. involvement. The sustainability of the cease-fire remains uncertain, with concerns that ongoing tensions may provoke further conflict. Pakistani intelligence suggested that India was attempting to provoke a more aggressive response from Pakistan.
The senior intelligence officer asserted that U.S. intervention was crucial in preventing a potential war, stating, “The last move came from the president.”