Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed a firm message to US President Donald Trump regarding India's stance on third-party mediation and trade negotiations in relation to the recent conflict with Pakistan. In a 35-minute phone conversation initiated by President Trump, Modi clarified that there were no discussions about a potential US-India trade deal or any offer of US mediation during or after the four-day military conflict in May.
This communication followed claims made by Trump that the United States had played a role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, even suggesting that trade deals were used as leverage to halt the hostilities. These assertions were strongly refuted by Modi, who emphasized that the cessation of military action was a direct result of talks between the Indian and Pakistani military channels, initiated at Pakistan's request.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a press briefing, detailed the key points of the conversation. Modi stressed that India has consistently rejected third-party mediation on the issue of Pakistan's illegal occupation of parts of Jammu and Kashmir and that this position remains unchanged. "PM Modi stressed India has never accepted mediation, and does not accept and will never accept it. There is complete political unanimity in India on this," Misri told the press. He further added that there is a national political consensus on the issue of mediation.
The call between the two leaders occurred after their scheduled meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada was cancelled due to Trump's early departure. During the conversation, Modi briefed Trump on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the terror attack. He described the operation as "measured, precise, and non-escalatory," targeting only terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Modi also informed Trump that India's response made Pakistani airbases inoperable, which prompted Islamabad to request a ceasefire.
In addition to clarifying India's position on mediation and trade, Modi also discussed the broader geopolitical landscape with Trump, including the conflict between Israel and Iran, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. On the latter, both leaders agreed on the need for direct talks between the involved parties to achieve peace. They also reaffirmed their support for the Quad and its role in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi extended an invitation to Trump for the next Quad leaders' summit in India, which Trump accepted.
The timing of the phone call is particularly significant as it preceded a confirmed meeting between Trump and Pakistan's Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, in the US. Modi's direct communication with Trump aimed to ensure clarity on India's position, especially given Trump's past claims and the upcoming meeting with the Pakistani official.
This exchange underscores the complexities and nuances of India-US relations. While both countries share strategic interests and have strengthened their partnership in various areas, differing perspectives and priorities can sometimes lead to friction. India's firm stance on non-mediation and its emphasis on bilateral dialogue with Pakistan reflect its long-standing policy and its commitment to resolving issues through direct engagement.
