PM UNEQUIVOCAL WITH TRUMP: NO US MEDIATION IN INDO-PAK CONFLICT

The Prime Minister declined a request to stop over in the US on his way back from Canada, citing 'prior commitments'

- Abhinandan Mishra/Agencies New Delhi/Kananaskis (Canada)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told US President Donald Trump that India halted the military action against Pakistan last month following direct talk between their militaries without any mediation by the US, calling out the American leader's narrative that he brokered the ceasefire.

On Trump's invitation to visit Washington for a bilateral engagement while returning from Canada, PM Modi cited prior commitments expressed his inability to make the visit at this time.

Both leaders agreed to explore a suitable opportunity for an in-person meeting soon.

Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump held a 35-minute phone conversation on Monday—their first direct exchange since the launch of India's cross-border Operation Sindoor. The call, initiated by President Trump after a on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Canada was cancelled due to his early return to Washington, marks a key moment in India-US diplomatic engagement following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

PM Modi firmly stated that India does not and will "never accept" mediation and that the discussions between Indian and Pakistani militaries on cessation of military actions were initiated at Islamabad's request, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.

Trump had earlier called Modi on the night of the Pahalgam attack to express condolences and extend his support to India's counter-terror efforts.

Monday's phone call was the first strategic-level discussion between the two leaders since then.

As per official sources, Modi used the call to deliver a clear and unambiguous message: "India has never accepted mediation on its disputes with Pakistan, does not accept it, and never will."

PM Modi also said that India no longer views "terrorism as a proxy war, but as a war itself", and that India's Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, the foreign secretary said.