India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed US President Donald Trump late on Tuesday that the ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan following a four-day conflict in May was the result of discussions between the two militaries rather than any mediation by the United States, according to India’s top diplomat.
Last month, Trump announced that the nuclear-armed neighbours in South Asia reached a ceasefire following discussions facilitated by the United States. He claimed that the cessation of hostilities came after he encouraged both nations to prioritise trade over conflict.
India has consistently rejected the notion of third-party mediation. The recent phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, which took place during the G7 summit in Canada—where Modi was a guest—marks their first direct communication since the conflict that occurred from May 7 to May 10.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated in a press statement that PM Modi explicitly informed President Trump that discussions regarding the India-US trade deal or US mediation between India and Pakistan did not occur at any point during this period.
Discussions aimed at halting military operations took place directly between India and Pakistan via established military channels, prompted by Pakistan’s insistence. Prime Minister Modi stated, “India has not accepted mediation in the past and will never do so.”
