Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi explicitly told U.S. President Donald Trump that a May ceasefire between India and Pakistan was brokered exclusively through bilateral military channels, rejecting claims of American involvement. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the stance in a Wednesday statement, noting Modi emphasized India "has not accepted mediation in the past and never will."
The leaders' 35-minute phone call on Tuesday occurred after Trump initiated contact following a missed G7 sideline meeting. This came weeks after Trump asserted Washington mediated the truce between the nuclear rivals, claiming he urged them to prioritize trade over conflict.
The flare-up began after a April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants, which Islamabad denied. Retaliatory strikes escalated into four days of cross-border raids starting May 7. Pakistan reported 51 fatalities including soldiers and children, while India acknowledged five military deaths in "Operation Sindoor."
Misri stated Trump backed India's counterterrorism efforts during the call, with Modi affirming the operation remains active. Pakistan maintains the ceasefire followed its response to an Indian military communication, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar previously denying U.S. mediation to Al Jazeera. The White House has not commented.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
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