Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a 35-minute phone conversation on Wednesday, during which Modi categorically rejected any third-party mediation between India and Pakistan and reiterated India’s uncompromising stance on terrorism. The call, confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, followed the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Indian military response under Operation Sindoor.
President Trump opened the conversation by expressing condolences for the Pahalgam attack, which claimed 26 lives. Modi thanked Trump for his support and briefed him on Operation Sindoor, describing India’s actions as “measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” targeting only terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Addressing speculation about US involvement in brokering a ceasefire, Modi made it clear that talks to halt military action occurred directly between India and Pakistan through established military channels, and only at Pakistan’s request. “India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it now, nor will it ever do that,” Misri quoted Modi as saying, emphasizing full political unanimity on this position.
Modi also stated that India now regards terrorism not as a proxy war but as an actual war, vowing to respond robustly to any cross-border aggression. He further clarified that no discussions on an India-US trade deal took place in the context of these security developments.
The leaders were originally scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, but the meeting was canceled due to Trump’s early return to the US amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Trump had requested the phone call to discuss recent developments, and both sides agreed to meet in the near future.
Modi’s remarks come ahead of President Trump’s scheduled meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir in Washington, underscoring the strategic and diplomatic sensitivities in the region.
Foreign Secretary Misri concluded the briefing by reaffirming India’s position: “India has not and will not accept any mediation. There is complete political unanimity on this issue.
