Modi Rejects Claims of US Involvement in Ceasefire Talks With Pakistan🤝

India Rejects Trump’s Mediation Claim🤝

NEW DELHI, June 18 (Reuters) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan following a four-day conflict in May was the result of direct talks between the two militaries, not U.S. mediation, India’s top diplomat said.

Trump’s Claim Disputed🔍

Last month, Trump claimed that the United States had brokered the truce between the nuclear-armed rivals and persuaded them to prioritize trade over hostilities. India has repeatedly rejected any suggestion of third-party involvement in its relations with Pakistan.

A Call on the Sidelines of the G7📞

Tuesday’s phone conversation, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada—where Modi attended as a guest—marked the first direct contact between the two leaders since the clashes from May 7 to May 10.

India’s Firm Stand🗣️

“Prime Minister Modi clearly conveyed to President Trump that at no point was there any discussion about a U.S.-India trade deal or any American mediation between India and Pakistan,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a statement.

“Ceasefire talks were held directly through existing military channels, initiated at Pakistan’s request. The Prime Minister reiterated that India has never accepted mediation in the past and will not accept it in the future,” Misri added.

Trump’s Early Departure✈️

Although the two leaders were scheduled to meet in person at the summit, Trump departed early due to developments in the Middle East, Misri said. The White House has not yet commented on the call.

Clashes After Kashmir Attack⚔️

Pakistan has previously stated that its military responded to a call from Indian counterparts on May 7, which led to the cessation of hostilities.

The recent escalation, the most intense in decades, began after an April 22 attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the assault—an accusation Islamabad has denied.

In response, India launched airstrikes on May 7, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure across the border. This triggered four days of exchanges involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery fire from both sides.

Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Efforts🎯

According to Misri, Trump reiterated U.S. support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, and Modi informed him that Operation Sindoor, under which the strikes were carried out, remains ongoing.

A Future Visit Planned🤝 

Trump also expressed interest in visiting India on his way back from Canada, but Modi declined due to prior commitments. Instead, Modi invited Trump to visit India later this year for the Quad leaders’ summit—a proposal Trump accepted, Misri said.