The United States has taken a neutral stance in the recent flare-up between India and Pakistan, even as tensions have reached one of their highest points in recent years. The conflict intensified following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Since then, both countries have launched military strikes, causing dozens of casualties on each side.
While previous U.S. governments have actively tried to calm tensions in South Asia, the current administration under President Donald Trump has chosen a different path. The White House has indicated that it will not intervene, citing an “America First” policy and a desire to avoid acting as the world’s policeman.
What Sparked the Conflict?
The recent violence began after a deadly terrorist attack in Indian Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 Hindu tourists. India responded on May 6 with air strikes targeting what it called “terror infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This triggered a series of tit-for-tat military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
By May 9, Pakistan claimed to have shot down 25 Indian drones over major cities such as Karachi and Lahore. In response, India said it had destroyed multiple Pakistani air defense installations, including one in Lahore. The violence has left 36 people dead in Pakistan and at least 16 in India, according to official sources.
US Reaction: Minimal Involvement
President Trump has been cautious in his comments. When asked about the conflict, he said, “I just hope it ends very quickly.” He expressed a desire for both countries to work things out on their own, offering help only if requested.
Vice-President J.D. Vance, who happened to be in India during the April attack, echoed a similar view. In a Fox News interview on May 8, he said, “We’re not going to get involved in the middle of a war that’s fundamentally none of our business.”
A Shift from Past Policies
Unlike previous administrations, the Trump government has shown little interest in mediating the conflict. In 1999, then-President Bill Clinton played a key role in de-escalating the Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan. But today, Washington is taking a backseat, even though it acknowledges Pakistan’s ongoing support for terror groups.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on May 8, “That’s a call that we have been making for decades.” She also compared the Kashmir conflict to unrest in the Middle East, saying violence has failed to bring long-term solutions in either region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, held phone calls with both Indian and Pakistani leaders. He urged Pakistan to stop supporting terrorist groups and reaffirmed US support for India in fighting terrorism.
Analysts: De-escalation Is Likely
Experts say the conflict may not last much longer. Richard Rossow from the Center for Strategic and International Studies believes Pakistan might launch a limited strike to save face, which could lead to a cooling of tensions. “If they strike in Jammu and Kashmir, it could help de-escalate. But if they target deeper areas in India, the situation may worsen,” he said.
Dr. Aparna Pande from the Hudson Institute agrees that both countries are looking for a way to step back. “Both sides have an off-ramp. A few more strikes could satisfy public opinion and allow them to stop,” she explained.
She added that India wants international recognition of its victims of terrorism, while Pakistan wants to appear strong in front of its own people amid political and economic struggles.
Why the US Is Siding with India
Though officially neutral, US policy experts see a growing tilt toward India. Jeff Smith from the Heritage Foundation argued that Pakistan must be held accountable for terrorist activities, whether they are state-sponsored or not.
India’s rise as an economic and strategic partner is another reason for US support. The country is now the world’s most populous nation and is set to become the third-largest economy. With strong ties in IT and trade, India is increasingly important to American interests.
Analyst Josh Kurlantzick of the Council on Foreign Relations noted that Pakistan’s close relationship with China does not help its case in Washington. Trump’s personal bond with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also strengthens the pro-India tilt.
China’s Role in the Background
China is Pakistan’s biggest strategic and military ally. It has replaced the US as Pakistan’s main arms supplier and continues to invest heavily in infrastructure through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This complicates matters further, as the US views China as its top global rival.
