PM Modi Rejects Trump's Mediation Claim in India-Pakistan Ceasefire
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly refuted claims of third-party involvement in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, countering former US President Donald Trump’s assertions of having played a mediating role. During a 35-minute phone call with Trump, Modi clarified that the halt to Operation Sindoor was solely due to direct military dialogue between Indian and Pakistani forces, dismissing any external influence or negotiation.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a video statement on X, conveyed Modi’s message to Trump, asserting that there had been no conversation concerning a trade deal or US mediation in the context of Operation Sindoor. Modi reiterated India’s consistent diplomatic position, stating, “India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it.”
The hostilities between India and Pakistan had intensified after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, leading India to carry out targeted strikes on terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan retaliated with unsuccessful attempts to hit Indian military targets, resulting in ongoing exchanges of fire.
Modi informed Trump that the ceasefire followed direct talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations, initiated at Pakistan’s behest. He also highlighted India’s perspective of treating cross-border terror incidents as acts of war rather than mere proxy actions.
Trump, who is set to dine with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir in Washington on Wednesday, had frequently claimed that US diplomatic intervention and trade discussions contributed to defusing the standoff. “If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India... we settled that,” Trump had stated, implying American intervention halted the conflict.
India, however, insists that Operation Sindoor is only paused and that it remains vigilant regarding Pakistan. Trump’s remarks have stirred political discourse in India, with opposition figures questioning Modi’s lack of response. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor argued against Trump’s narrative, stating that mediation was unfeasible between "terrorists and their victims."
During the call, Trump extended an invitation for a meeting during Modi’s US visit, which Modi declined due to existing commitments. Nonetheless, both leaders agreed to meet at a future date.
