Modi rejects Trump’s mediation claim, declines US visit

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump, clarifying that India’s Operation Sindoor was paused at Pakistan’s request through direct bilateral channels, not due to US mediation or any trade deal offers.

In a 35-minute call on Tuesday, Modi briefed Trump on Operation Sindoor, India’s military operation targeting terror sites in Pakistan, emphasizing that nations supporting terrorism must face consequences. This was their first discussion since the operation’s pause last month.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “PM Modi clarified that no trade-related topics were discussed in connection with Operation Sindoor. He reiterated India’s rejection of third-party mediation, both historically and moving forward.”

Trump invited Modi, who was attending the G-7 meeting, to visit the US en route from Canada, but Modi declined due to prior commitments. Modi invited Trump to the Quad Summit in India, expected later this year. Trump had left the G-7 meeting early due to escalating Israel-Iran tensions, preventing a planned in-person meeting with Modi. Trump insisted on the call, which was then arranged.

The leaders had previously spoken after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where Trump offered condolences and supported India’s anti-terrorism efforts. In Tuesday’s call, Modi detailed India’s strong response to Pakistan’s May 9-10 attack, which crippled Pakistan’s military infrastructure and airbases, forcing Pakistan to request a halt to India’s campaign.

Modi emphasized that no India-US trade deal or US mediation was discussed. He clarified that the pause in military action resulted from direct India-Pakistan talks, driven by Pakistan’s insistence. Modi firmly reiterated India’s rejection of mediation in its dealings with Pakistan, noting bipartisan support on this stance.

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Misri noted that Trump understood Modi’s position and expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism. Modi told Trump that India now views terrorism as an act of war, not a proxy war, and that Operation Sindoor remains active. Modi also referenced a May 9 call from US Vice President J.D. Vance, warning of a potential “big strike”

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