The U.S. State Department said Sunday it is engaging with India and Pakistan to encourage a "responsible resolution" after a deadly militant attack in Kashmir heightened tensions between the two nations. India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed over two dozen people, a claim Islamabad denies, calling instead for a neutral investigation.
In a statement to Reuters, a State Department spokesperson said Washington is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with both governments. The U.S. condemned the attack and reaffirmed its support for India, echoing recent remarks by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
India’s strategic importance to the U.S. has grown as Washington seeks to counter China’s influence in Asia, while Pakistan’s significance has declined since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Analysts like Michael Kugelman warn that U.S. backing of India could embolden New Delhi, potentially leading to military retaliation without American intervention.
Former Pakistan ambassador Hussain Haqqani noted a lack of U.S. interest in mediating, citing Washington’s focus on conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed severe punishment for those behind the Kashmir attack, fueling calls for military action.
Both nations have since taken retaliatory steps, including Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines and India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. Cross-border firing has resumed after a period of calm.
The Kashmir Resistance group, linked to Pakistan-based militants, claimed responsibility. Former U.S. official Ned Price cautioned that unwavering U.S. support for India could worsen the volatile situation between these nuclear-armed neighbors.