Prime Minister Narendra Modi has explicitly stated to United States President Donald Trump that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, following a four-day conflict in May, was a result of direct military-to-military talks and not due to any American mediation. This assertion was communicated during a phone call held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada.
Direct Military Talks and Pakistan’s Initiative
According to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Prime Minister Modi clarified to President Trump that during the period of military confrontation, there were no discussions regarding an India-US trade deal or any form of US mediation between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary emphasized that the talks to cease military action occurred directly between the Indian and Pakistani militaries through established communication channels, and importantly, at Pakistan’s request. This directly contradicts claims previously made by President Trump, who had asserted that the US played a mediating role in achieving the ceasefire, and that economic leverage, specifically trade, had prompted the cessation of hostilities.
India’s Stance on Mediation
Prime Minister Modi unequivocally reiterated India’s long-standing policy on external mediation. He informed President Trump that India has not accepted mediation in the past, does not accept it at present, and will not accept it in the future. This firm stance is supported by a national political consensus within India, as highlighted by Modi. India’s position remains that disputes with Pakistan are bilateral matters and should be resolved through direct dialogue, without the involvement of any third party.
Operation Sindoor and Counter-Terrorism
Modi also provided President Trump with an update on “Operation Sindoor,” explaining that India had conducted operations against Pakistan, which led to the incapacitation of some of their military airbases, prompting Islamabad to request a ceasefire. He stressed that India views terrorism not as a proxy war, but as a direct conflict, and that Operation Sindoor remains active. President Trump, in response, expressed his support for India’s efforts in combating terrorism.
Diplomatic Exchanges and Context
The 35-minute phone call between Modi and Trump came at the US President’s request. While a face-to-face meeting had been anticipated at the G7 summit, it did not materialize due to President Trump’s early departure from the summit amidst escalating Middle Eastern tensions. Experts suggest that India’s proactive communication aimed to set the record straight regarding the events and counter any narratives that suggested external involvement in resolving the conflict. The call also occurred shortly before Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir’s scheduled meeting with President Trump.
