Washington-based South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman explains why the U.S. intervened during the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Initially maintaining a watchful stance, Vice President Vance and President Trump eventually pushed for a ceasefire due to two major concerns: rapid military escalation and fears around nuclear security. Kugelman noted that the U.S. was alarmed by India’s targeting of a strategic air base near nuclear sites in Rawalpindi. These developments prompted a rare shift from passive observation to active diplomatic pressure.