US Official Comments on India-Pakistan Tensions

A senior US official stated on Thursday that while India and Pakistan should reduce hostilities, the United States cannot dictate the actions of these nuclear-armed nations. Furthermore, a conflict between them would not warrant US involvement.

“Our objective is to see a swift de-escalation. However, our influence over these nations is limited,” the official noted during a television interview.

He added, “We can only encourage de-escalation. We will not intervene in a war that is fundamentally not our concern and beyond America’s control.”

India is a key partner for the US in its efforts to balance growing Chinese influence. Pakistan remains an ally, although its significance has decreased since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

Analysts suggest that Washington’s focus on diplomatic solutions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Gaza situation could result in less direct US pressure on India and Pakistan during periods of heightened tension.

Amid the escalating tensions, a top defense authority indicated that further retaliation was “increasingly likely.” Recent clashes resulted in numerous casualties.

The latest surge in the long-standing rivalry was triggered earlier this month, resulting in significant casualties. Subsequent actions led to further military exchanges and accusations.

India asserted that it targeted militant hideouts inside Pakistan in response to an earlier attack in a disputed territory, which India blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denied these accusations and requested an impartial inquiry.

The US official voiced hope that the situation would not escalate into a broader regional conflict or a nuclear event.

Washington has engaged in discussions with both countries, including high-level calls to promote de-escalation and dialogue.

Another US leader described the rising tensions as regrettable, expressing hope for a cessation of hostilities. The State Department has urged both nations to pursue a “responsible solution.”