New Delhi/Washington, D.C. – In a crucial diplomatic conversation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 35-minute-long phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump following the G7 Summit in Canada. The conversation centered around regional security, terrorism, and India’s ongoing military initiative — Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Modi made it unequivocally clear that there was no role of any mediation or trade agreement in de-escalating the recent India-Pakistan conflict, strongly denying Trump’s repeated assertions.
The call took place after President Trump abruptly left the G7 Summit and returned to the U.S., skipping a scheduled face-to-face meeting with PM Modi. At Trump’s request, the phone conversation was arranged, where the leaders discussed the recent spate of cross-border tensions, India’s anti-terror operations, and bilateral ties.
Modi to Trump: “India Will Never Accept Mediation”
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that PM Modi reiterated India’s long-standing policy on bilateral matters, stating:
“India has never accepted third-party mediation on India-Pakistan issues, nor does it accept it now, and it never will. This is a matter of national consensus across all political parties.”
The Prime Minister informed President Trump that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was solely the outcome of direct military-to-military communications and was initiated upon Pakistan’s formal request. He emphasized that there was no discussion of any India-U.S. trade deal or any role played by Washington in halting the military operations.
Operation Sindoor: A Measured Response to Terror
PM Modi elaborated on Operation Sindoor, India’s calibrated military operation launched on May 7 in retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The Indian Armed Forces targeted multiple terror launchpads across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in precision drone and missile strikes.
From May 8 to May 10, Pakistan attempted multiple retaliatory attacks on Indian military installations, to which India responded with strategic force. The intense four-day exchange ended only after Pakistan appealed for a ceasefire, leading to mutual agreement. However, Trump prematurely claimed credit for the ceasefire via his social media platform, Truth Social, suggesting it was achieved through his intervention and a “trade deal,” a claim strongly denied by India.
India’s View: Terrorism is War, Not Proxy Conflict
During the conversation, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s evolving stance on terrorism:
“India no longer sees terrorism as merely a proxy war; it considers it an act of war. Operation Sindoor continues to target active terror networks threatening Indian sovereignty.”
Trump reportedly acknowledged Modi’s statements and expressed continued support for India’s fight against terrorism.
Trade Talks, Ceasefire Claims Dismissed
Foreign Secretary Misri addressed Trump’s recent comments in a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where Trump had claimed that a U.S.-facilitated trade deal led to peace between India and Pakistan. Misri categorically denied this, stating:
“At no point during Operation Sindoor or its aftermath was there any conversation — formal or informal — between India and the U.S. about trade impacting regional peace or ceasefire terms.”
QUAD and Diplomatic Invitations
The leaders also discussed strengthening Indo-U.S. cooperation under the QUAD framework. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Trump to visit India for the upcoming QUAD summit. Trump, in response, expressed enthusiasm about visiting India soon.
When asked by Trump whether Modi could stop in the U.S. on his return from Canada, the Prime Minister cited prior commitments and politely declined.
Background: Trump’s Pattern of Ceasefire Claims
This isn’t the first time Trump has publicly attempted to claim credit for peace between India and Pakistan. In past years, Trump has made similar claims of mediating between the two nations, often leading to diplomatic rebukes from New Delhi.
In the latest instance, Trump’s statements — especially linking peace to a hypothetical trade deal — have been viewed as diplomatically inappropriate and factually inaccurate by Indian officials.
Conclusion
As India continues Operation Sindoor to eliminate terror threats in its vicinity, the Modi government has reasserted its strategic autonomy and rejected all claims of third-party mediation. The phone call between Modi and Trump underscores India’s firm stance on direct bilateral engagement, especially in matters concerning national security and sovereignty.
