Never discussed trade or US mediation during Op Sindoor: PM to Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought to set the record straight on US President Donald Trump's assertions about his pivotal role in defusing the conflict between India and Pakistan, including claims that he had brokered the understanding between the two nuclear-armed neighbours by threatening to halt trade with them.

- ARCHIS MOHAN

Hours later, Trump reiterated to reporters that he was instrumental in bringing peace between India and Pakistan.

In a 35-minute phone call, Trump also enquired if Modi could stop over in the US after attending the G7 Summit in Canada's Kananaskis. The prime minister declined, American citing prior commitments.

Modi "conveyed" to the president that India and Pakistan halted military action on May 10 following direct talks between their respective militaries, initiated at Islamabad's request, and without US mediation. He told Trump at no point there was a discussion at any level about a trade deal between India and the US after May 7, when India conducted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, including its airbases.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Modi told Trump that no proposal for mediation by the US was discussed, and reaffirmed India's longstanding position of not accepting third-party intervention in matters related to Pakistan.