Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly reiterated India's long-standing position that it will not accept third-party mediation in matters concerning its relationship with Pakistan. This message was conveyed during a 35-minute phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The call, which took place at President Trump's request, occurred while Modi was in Canada attending the G7 Summit.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the press on Wednesday, emphasizing that Modi clearly stated, "India has never accepted, and will never accept, third-party mediation." Misri affirmed that there is "full political unanimity" on this stance within India. Modi underscored that all issues between India and Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, without external intervention.
The context of the call included discussions about "Operation Sindoor," India's counter-terrorism operation targeting terror bases in Pakistan, which followed the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 people. Modi informed Trump that India's response was "measured" and specifically targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He further clarified that India now views acts of terrorism not as proxy actions but as acts of war.
Modi also addressed previous claims made by President Trump, who had suggested he played a role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Modi firmly refuted this narrative, stating that the decision to pause military action under Operation Sindoor was taken after a direct request from Pakistan, communicated through established military channels. He emphasized that there was no US involvement in this decision and that no backchannel talks or mediation occurred regarding any ceasefire or the broader Kashmir issue.
The conversation also covered other topics of mutual interest. Modi invited Trump to visit India for the upcoming Quad summit, where they could discuss global issues such as the Iran-Israel conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war, and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders agreed on the necessity of direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to achieve peace and expressed support for the Quad's role in the Indo-Pacific.
Modi's firm stance against third-party mediation reflects India's consistent policy of resolving disputes bilaterally with Pakistan. This position is based on the belief that direct dialogue and engagement are the most effective means of addressing issues and fostering lasting peace between the two countries. The emphasis on treating terrorism as an act of war signals a more assertive approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The clear communication of these points to President Trump underscores India's commitment to its established foreign policy principles and its determination to protect its national interests.
