India's Modi tells Trump there was no U.S. mediation in ceasefire with Pakistan

Reuters
Reuters

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly denied claims that the United States played any role in mediating the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, according to India's top diplomat.

During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, Modi clarified that the May ceasefire following a four-day military conflict was achieved solely through direct talks between Indian and Pakistani military officials, without any third-party involvement.

"At no point was there any discussion on U.S. mediation or India-U.S. trade during that period," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, emphasising Modi's message. Modi also reiterated India's long-standing position of rejecting external mediation in its disputes with Pakistan.

Trump had previously claimed that U.S. diplomatic efforts helped end the hostilities and encouraged both countries to focus on trade. However, Indian officials categorically refuted this, stating the ceasefire was initiated at Pakistan's request through established military communication channels.

Misri added that while a face-to-face meeting between Modi and Trump had been expected at the G7, it did not occur as Trump left the summit early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The recent conflict, the most intense in years was triggered by an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, a charge Islamabad denied. In response, India launched cross-border strikes on May 7 targeting what it called terrorist infrastructure, leading to four days of retaliatory military action by both sides involving jets, drones, missiles, and artillery.

Modi told Trump that India's Operation Sindoor, which includes ongoing strikes against cross-border militant infrastructure, remains active. Trump expressed support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Trump also asked if he could stop in the U.S. on Modi's return trip from Canada, but the Indian Prime Minister declined due to prior commitments. Modi instead invited Trump to visit India later this year for the Quad leaders' summit, an invitation Trump accepted.

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