India Rejects Any Mediation in Pakistan Conflict, PM Modi Tells President Trump

In a significant diplomatic exchange, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 35-minute telephonic conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasising India’s firm stance against third-party mediation in its disputes with Pakistan. The conversation, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, was detailed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Misri revealed that the discussion was initiated at President Trump’s request after a planned in-person meeting at the G7 Summit was canceled due to Trump’s early return to the U.S. amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump, which lasted approximately 35 minutes,” Misri stated, providing context to the high-level dialogue.

A key focus of the conversation was India’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts, particularly Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Misri noted that PM Modi briefed Trump on the operation, underscoring India’s resolute approach to terrorism. “PM Modi told President Trump clearly that during this entire series of incidents, never were talks held at any level on India-America trade deal and mediation between India and Pakistan by America,” Misri said, dispelling claims of U.S. involvement in recent India-Pakistan ceasefire talks.

Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position on third-party mediation, particularly concerning the Jammu and Kashmir issue and counterterrorism actions. “PM Modi stressed that India never accepted mediation nor does it accept it now, nor will it ever do that,” Misri quoted, highlighting the consensus across India’s political spectrum on this matter. He further clarified that the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was negotiated directly through established military channels at Pakistan’s request, not through external mediation.
The conversation also touched on broader geopolitical issues, including the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, with both leaders calling for peace. Misri added that Trump extended an invitation for Modi to visit the U.S. on his return from Canada, which Modi declined due to prior commitments. In turn, Modi invited Trump to India for the upcoming QUAD Summit, an invitation Trump accepted.

Misri emphasised India’s ‘proactive’ stance on terrorism, quoting Modi: “India now regards terrorism not as proxy war but actual war.” He further noted that Modi informed Trump that India would respond to Pakistan’s aggression decisively, stating, “India will reply to Pakistan’s bullets with shells.” This reflects India’s measured yet firm military response, which Misri described as “precise and non-escalatory.”

The dialogue also addressed past interactions, with Misri referencing a prior call from Trump to Modi after the Pahalgam attack, where the U.S. President expressed condolences and support for India’s fight against terrorism. “President Trump fully understood India’s position and expressed support for its fight against terrorism,” Misri added, reinforcing the alignment between the two nations on counterterrorism.