Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly told former US President Donald Trump that India never accepted any foreign mediation, including that of the United States, in its military engagement with Pakistan. Modi also emphasized that Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, is still underway and India will respond to Pakistan’s provocations with greater force.
The clarification came during a 35-minute phone conversation between the two leaders on Wednesday, initiated at Trump’s request after their planned meeting at the G7 Summit in Canada was canceled due to Trump’s early departure.
Modi Rejects Trump’s Ceasefire Claims
Modi’s remarks come as a direct rebuttal to Trump’s repeated claims that the US had brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in early May. Trump had publicly said on several occasions that he helped stop the hostilities using pressure tactics like threatening to halt trade.
However, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who briefed reporters, quoted Modi as saying:
“India has never accepted mediation, does not and will never do so.”
Modi made it clear that the decision to halt military action between May 7–10 was taken solely by the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, without any external involvement.
Operation Sindoor: Measured but Strong
The military operation began on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories, after the April 22 Pahalgam attack killed 26 civilians in Jammu & Kashmir.
“India’s actions were measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” said Misri.
Despite the intensity of the conflict, India insists that Operation Sindoor is not over, and New Delhi will continue to strike against terrorism until its objectives are met.
Modi reportedly told Trump that “terrorism is no longer seen as a proxy war but as an actual war” by India, and reiterated that India would respond to bullets with bombs and shells, if needed.
US Concerns and India’s Response
On the night of May 9, US Vice President JD Vance called Modi with concerns about a potential major Pakistani attack. In response, Modi said:
“If this happens, India will give an even bigger reply to Pakistan.”
India retaliated strongly, damaging multiple Pakistani military installations and reportedly making airbases inoperable, which led to Pakistan requesting India to halt military action.
Beyond Sindoor: Broader Diplomatic Talks
The two leaders also touched upon:
- The Israel-Iran conflict
- The Russia-Ukraine war, with both supporting direct dialogue for peace
- Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, reaffirming the importance of the Quad alliance
Modi invited Trump to India for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, expected later this year. Trump accepted the invitation, expressing eagerness to visit.
Due to prior commitments, Modi was unable to stop in the US on his way back from Canada, instead traveling to Croatia for the final leg of his three-nation tour.
This phone call marked the first direct conversation between Modi and Trump since the Pahalgam attack and sheds new light on India’s uncompromising position on terrorism and sovereignty in matters of national security.