PM Modi rejects US mediation claim in 35-min phone call with Trump, says India-Pakistan de-escalation was bilateral
PM Modi rejects US mediation claim: In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly denied any role played by the United States in halting military clashes between India and Pakistan in May. The call, held at Trump’s request after the two leaders missed a planned meeting during the G7 Summit in Canada, lasted 35 minutes and focused on a range of security and geopolitical issues.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that PM Modi clearly stated India had "never accepted mediation, does not, and will never do so"—countering Trump’s repeated public claims that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10. PM Modi said the decision to pause military actions was made directly through discussions between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, and not due to any US intervention.
The clashes had erupted after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied territory. Modi told Trump that India's strikes were “measured, precise, and non-escalatory” and strictly focused on terrorist hideouts.
During the four days of intense military exchanges from May 7 to 10, both sides used drones, missiles, and long-range artillery. On the night of May 9, US Vice President JD Vance warned India of a potential large-scale Pakistani attack. PM Modi responded that any such action would be met with a stronger Indian retaliation. The Indian military’s counterstrikes inflicted heavy damage, reportedly rendering several Pakistani airbases inoperable, eventually leading Pakistan to request a stop to hostilities via military communication channels.
PM Modi reiterated that no discussions about a US-India trade deal or any mediation effort took place during this period. Trump acknowledged Modi's explanation and expressed continued support for India’s fight against terrorism.
The two leaders also discussed broader regional and global issues, including the conflicts involving Israel-Iran and Russia-Ukraine. Both agreed on the need for direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. On Indo-Pacific matters, they reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Quad alliance. Modi invited Trump to visit India for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, and Trump accepted the invitation.
- With inputs from agencies
