Prime Minister Narendra Modi has categorically denied any third-party involvement in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, dismissing former US President Donald Trump’s claims of having mediated the truce. In a 35-minute phone conversation with Trump, Modi clarified that the decision to suspend Operation Sindoor was a result of direct military communication between Indian and Pakistani forces and not due to any external pressure or negotiation.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who released a video statement on X, Modi told Trump unequivocally that there had been no discussion on either a trade deal or US mediation during the course of Operation Sindoor. “India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it,” Modi told Trump, reaffirming India’s long-standing diplomatic stance.
Tensions between the two nations had escalated following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting India to launch retaliatory precision strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. Pakistan responded with failed attempts to strike Indian military installations over the next few days, leading to a sustained exchange of fire.
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The ceasefire came after direct communication between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries, initiated at Pakistan’s request, Modi informed Trump. He also emphasized that India now views cross-border terror attacks as acts of war, not mere proxy actions.
Trump, who is scheduled to meet Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir over lunch in Washington on Wednesday, had repeatedly asserted that US diplomatic efforts and trade negotiations played a role in de-escalating the conflict. “If you take a look at what we just did with Pakistan and India… we settled that,” Trump had claimed, suggesting US intervention stopped the fighting.
India, however, maintains that Operation Sindoor has only been suspended and that vigilance on Pakistan continues. Trump’s statements have previously sparked political debate in India, with opposition parties questioning Modi’s silence on the issue. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that mediation was impossible between “terrorists and their victims,” countering Trump’s narrative.
During the phone call, Trump also extended an invitation to Modi for a meeting during his US visit, which Modi declined due to prior commitments. Both leaders, however, agreed to meet at a later date.
