NEW DELHI, June 18 — In a significant diplomatic clarification, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told U.S. President Donald Trump that the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan was achieved solely through direct military communication between the two nations, with no role played by the United States. The statement came during a phone conversation between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, marking their first direct contact since the four-day military confrontation in May.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Modi made it clear that at no point were issues such as a U.S.-India trade deal or U.S. mediation with Pakistan discussed during the conflict. “Talks to halt military operations were conducted through existing military channels between India and Pakistan and initiated by Pakistan,” Misri stated, reaffirming India’s longstanding policy of rejecting third-party involvement in its disputes with Islamabad.
Trump had previously claimed credit for mediating the ceasefire, stating that he had urged both sides to shift focus from conflict to commerce. India, however, has consistently denied any such mediation, stressing that all decisions were made independently through diplomatic and military frameworks already in place.
The intense fighting in early May followed an April 22 terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, sparking retaliatory air and missile strikes across the border. Misri also confirmed that Operation Sindoor, under which India conducted its strikes, is still ongoing.
Trump reportedly expressed support for India’s counter-terrorism efforts during the call. He also requested a brief stopover by Modi in the U.S. after the summit, which Modi declined due to prior commitments. However, he extended an invitation for Trump to visit India later this year for the upcoming Quad leaders’ summit—a proposal Trump accepted.
The White House has not yet commented on the details of the Modi-Trump conversation, but India’s clarification appears aimed at reaffirming its strategic autonomy and bilateral approach to regional issues amid heightened global scrutiny.
