Indian-American entrepreneur and political donor Danny Gaekwad has hailed US Vice President JD Vance’s recent remarks on the India-Pakistan conflict as a “clear green light” for India to act decisively against cross-border terrorism, calling it “fantastic news” and a “God-given opportunity” for the nation.
Speaking to ANI, Gaekwad said that JD Vance’s non-interventionist stance — as expressed during a Fox News interview — showed unprecedented support for India’s right to defend itself.
“He clearly said in his first statement — we are not getting in the middle. That’s a clear mandate. This is our time. We should go get it done,” Gaekwad emphasized.
The comments come in the wake of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a major military campaign launched by India in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed. India has since carried out precision strikes against nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), eliminating over 100 terrorists.
JD Vance: “This Is Fundamentally Not Our Business”
During his Fox News appearance, Vice President JD Vance stated:
“What we can do is try to encourage these folks to de-escalate a little bit. But we are not going to get involved in the middle… It has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it.”
Gaekwad called this a historic departure from traditional US diplomacy, which often leaned toward mediating such conflicts.
“Usually, people at that level say, ‘Let’s find a diplomatic solution.’ But this time, Vance didn’t say that. He said — go handle your business. That’s a rare opening, and India must not waste it,” he said.
“Terrorism Must Be Finished — This Is Our Time”
Gaekwad warned that India had only a small window of about 7 to 10 days before diplomatic efforts could stall military momentum. He insisted the global silence on Indian strikes was indicative of broad international tolerance for India’s response.
“Nobody has jumped in to say, ‘Don’t do this.’ We’ve waited 20 years for this moment,” he noted, referencing decades of terror attacks blamed on Pakistani-sponsored groups.
He also pointed to evidence presented by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who shared images of Pakistani Army officers attending funerals of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, calling it clear proof of state sponsorship of terrorism.
“They’re not even hiding it. If Pakistani generals are praying at terrorists’ funerals, then it’s state-sponsored. India must finish them — openly, without fear,” Gaekwad asserted.
“India Is an Economic Powerhouse — Capable of Withstanding Consequences”
Addressing concerns about economic fallout from rising tensions, Gaekwad argued that India’s economic stature gives it the strength to act boldly.
“India is among the top five or six largest economies in the world. We have an $800 billion forex reserve. Pakistan, on the other hand, is economically broken,” he said.
He added that prolonged terrorism has a far greater long-term economic impact than short-term military engagement.
“You finish terrorism now, and you ensure long-term prosperity for India. The time is now.”
Praise for Modi’s Action: “Strike Harder, More Precisely”
Gaekwad praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, urging him to intensify strikes and use India’s full might.
“Modi did the right thing by striking. Now strike harder, strike precisely, and don’t stop. The world is watching, and America has given the green light.”
He reiterated that India has never waged wars of aggression and cited India’s history as a civilizational power that has only defended its borders, saying:
“India has never invaded anyone in the last 10,000 years. But it has been invaded countless times. This is not aggression — it’s self-defense.”
The Strategic Context
India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to escalating cross-border terrorism. The operation — still ongoing — involves a combination of airstrikes, drone interceptions, and counter-terror ground operations across the LoC and International Border.
India claims over 100 terrorists have been killed, with many camps in PoJK completely destroyed. Visuals presented by the Indian government, including the participation of Pakistani army officers in terrorist funerals, have further strengthened New Delhi’s position diplomatically.
Gaekwad concluded by saying:
“This is not just a moment for India — this is a moment for the free world to back a democracy standing up against terrorism. The US has spoken. India must act.”