'Fundamentally none of our business:' US refuses to interfere in Pak-India conflict

The United States declared a stance of non-interference stance in the escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, with US Vice President JD Vance asserting that the dispute is “fundamentally none of our business”. 

This stance underscores the US's shifting approach to international conflicts, which prioritises diplomatic channels over direct intervention to encourage de-escalation. 

Amid heightened tensions following India's Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's retaliatory attempts, the US's position has sparked intense debate, raising questions about the global community's role in mediating longstanding disputes between nuclear-armed neighbours.

In an interview with Fox News, the US vice-president said that the US is also seeking a way of de-escalation, but could not force anyone of them to “lay down their arms”.

Read: EU Foreign Policy chief extends support for Pakistan amid escalation with India

The Guardian quoted JD Vance, stating, “What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit, but we’re not going to get involved in the middle of the war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it.” 

He furhter said, “the US could force neither side to lay down their arms,” adding that the countries would deal with this through “diplomatic channels”.

Vice President expressed optimism that the conflict would not push the region into war, or “God forbid, a nuclear conflict, right now, we don’t think that’s going to happen.” 

“Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” Vance said.

The US is adopting a hands-off approach to mediating foreign conflicts, aligning with Donald Trump's "America First" policy. This means potentially stepping back from brokering peace in conflicts like Russia's invasion of Ukraine unless direct talks are possible.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance's stance signalled a shift in US foreign policy, prioritising American interests over international intervention.

Read: Pakistan reserves right to self-defence, PM Sharif tells US secretary of state

In contrast, Secretary of State Marco Rubio took a more engaged approach, urging leaders in Pakistan and India to de-escalate tensions. Rubio's efforts reflect a more traditional US role in international diplomacy, aiming to prevent regional conflicts.