India Reiterates Firm Stand Against Mediation in Phone Call With Trump: PM Modi Clarifies No US Role in Ceasefire With Pakistan

New Delhi, June 18 : In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a 35-minute phone conversation with United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday, firmly reiterating that India has never accepted foreign mediation in its bilateral matters, particularly concerning Pakistan — and does not intend to do so in the future.

This marked the first direct interaction between the two leaders since India’s recent military operation, dubbed Operation Sindoor, and follows heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the media about the conversation, emphasizing India’s strong rejection of any external involvement, including recent claims by President Trump suggesting that the US had played a role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.“PM Modi stressed that India never accepted mediation, nor does it accept it now, nor will it ever do that. On this issue, there is full political unanimity,” said Misri.

Clarifying further, the Foreign Secretary stated that no discussion on trade or US-led mediation took place during the four-day military standoff between India and Pakistan. Any cessation of hostilities was achieved directly between Indian and Pakistani military officials, under established bilateral channels — and specifically at Pakistan’s request.

The leaders were originally scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, but the meeting was cancelled as President Trump returned to the US early amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

During the call, President Trump inquired about a potential stopover in the US by PM Modi on his return from Canada. However, PM Modi declined due to prior commitments. The leaders agreed to meet soon, and Modi extended a formal invitation for Trump to visit India for the next Quad meeting, which the US President accepted with enthusiasm.

This call follows Trump’s earlier statement claiming credit for mediating a ceasefire in May. India has consistently rejected such assertions, maintaining its longstanding stance of bilateral resolution of disputes without third-party involvement.

The leaders also revisited the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, during which Trump had previously offered condolences and support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The latest call is seen as part of broader diplomatic engagement amidst regional instability and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Tags: PM Modi, Donald Trump, India-US relations, Operation Sindoor, India-Pakistan ceasefire, foreign mediation, Vikram Misri, Quad Summit, US-India trade, Pahalgam terrorist attack, G7 Summit, international diplomacy, India foreign policy