Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently had a phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he made it unequivocally clear that India has never accepted third-party mediation on issues related to Pakistan—and never will. Modi emphasized that the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in May was the result of direct communication between the two countries’ military establishments, with no external involvement, including that of the United States.
This clarification came in response to Trump’s earlier statements suggesting that U.S. intervention or trade pressure may have played a role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The Indian government, however, has strongly refuted these claims. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reiterated that there were no discussions involving U.S. mediation or trade concessions during the recent conflict, emphasizing that India addressed the matter through its own diplomatic and defense channels.
During the call, Prime Minister Modi also conveyed that India regards terrorism not as a mere proxy conflict but as a direct and active form of warfare. He noted that India continues to maintain a strong defense posture through ongoing operations such as Operation Sindoor. While making his stance on mediation clear, Modi did acknowledge and appreciate Trump’s support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. Trump, in turn, expressed his condolences for the victims of recent terror attacks and accepted an invitation to attend the upcoming Quad Summit in India.
This exchange reinforces India’s longstanding policy of addressing bilateral matters independently, without external mediation. Modi’s message sends a strong signal about India’s diplomatic autonomy and its commitment to safeguarding national interests. At the same time, the continued collaboration between India and the U.S. on counter-terrorism and regional stability remains an important aspect of their strategic partnership.
