Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly denied that the United States played any mediating role in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, contradicting earlier claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The clarification came during a phone call between the two leaders late Tuesday, held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, where Modi was attending as a special guest. This marked their first direct communication since the cross-border conflict between India and Pakistan from May 7 to 10 — the most intense fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours in decades.
Addressing media in New Delhi, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “Prime Minister Modi told President Trump clearly that during this period, there was no discussion at any point regarding a U.S.-India trade deal or any U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan.”
According to Misri, Modi explained that the ceasefire was achieved solely through direct military-level communication between India and Pakistan, using established channels, and that it was Pakistan who initially requested the talks.
Trump had previously suggested that his administration had helped de-escalate tensions by encouraging both nations to focus on trade rather than conflict. However, India has consistently rejected third-party mediation in its relations with Pakistan.
“Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India has not accepted mediation in the past and will never do so,” Misri added.
The conflict was triggered by an April 22 terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the attack, an allegation Islamabad denied. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out cross-border air strikes targeting what it called “terrorist infrastructure,” followed by retaliatory strikes by both sides over four days.
Misri also confirmed that Trump reiterated his support for India’s counterterrorism operations. Although the two leaders had planned to meet in person during the G7 summit, the meeting was cancelled due to Trump’s early departure amidst rising tensions in the Middle East.
Trump reportedly invited Modi to stop by the United States on his return trip, but Modi declined, citing prior commitments. Instead, he extended an invitation for Trump to visit India later this year for the upcoming Quad leaders’ summit, which Trump accepted.
The White House has not yet commented on the conversation.
