Modi Refutes US Mediation Claims, Confirms India-Pakistani Army Accord Ended Hostilities

New Delhi: In a 35‑minute phone call on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified that the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan in May was solely the result of direct military-to-military communication—not U.S. intervention.

The call, initiated at President Donald Trump’s request following the G7 summit, tackled the simmering controversy over claims that Washington had brokered a ceasefire after Operation Sindoor. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri outlined the details of the exchange:

• “India has never accepted mediation, does not and will never do so,” he stated in a firm rebuke.
• Modi emphasized that discussions about the India‑U.S. trade deal or any U.S. brokerage between India and Pakistan never took place during the May 7–10 exchanges.
• Trump had earlier announced on May 10 that hostilities had ceased, attributing it to U.S. influence—a narrative India now disputes, noting no talks occurred at any level.

The military action last month followed the swift strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Tk after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The four-day blitz saw both sides deploying missiles, drones, and long-range artillery. Despite America’s characterization of the end to violence as a “ceasefire,” India refers to it as a mutual halt of hostilities, with Operation Sindoor still deemed active.

Misri added context about diplomacy behind the scenes:

• Pakistan formally requested a pause, and India responded.
• On the night of May 9, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance warned India of a possible major escalation by Pakistan; Modi assured “a bigger answer,” which prompted decisive Indian strikes that left Pakistani airbases “inoperable.”

Modi also underscored India’s evolving counterterrorism doctrine, declaring: “We now treat terrorism as war, not proxy warfare, and Operation Sindoor continues.” Trump reportedly affirmed his support for India’s anti-terror efforts.

The two leaders agreed to future in-person meetings, with Trump extending a stopover offer to Prime Minister Modi during his return from Canada—an invitation Modi declined due to prior commitments. As India prepares to host the Quad Leaders’ Summit later this year, Modi formally invited Trump; Misri confirmed the U.S. leader “accepted and is looking forward to it.”