In a significant diplomatic conversation held Wednesday morning (IST), Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly conveyed to U.S. President Donald Trump that India will neither accept nor entertain any third-party mediation in its bilateral matters, particularly concerning Pakistan.
The conversation came just hours before President Trump was scheduled to host Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House for a working lunch.
According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, this was the first high-level interaction between the two leaders since the pause in India’s ongoing counter-terror operation, Operation Sindoor, in May.
“The Prime Minister made it clear that India has never accepted third-party mediation and will not do so now or in the future,” Misri stated during a press briefing. “No aspect of India-U.S. trade was linked to military operations or discussions with Pakistan.”
Strategic Clarity and a Firm Message
During the phone call, PM Modi briefed President Trump on the recent developments following Pakistan’s attack on Indian territory on the night of May 9–10, and India’s robust military response, which he said had rendered several Pakistani airbases inoperable and caused substantial damage to military infrastructure.
Modi emphasized that the decision to pause military operations was reached through direct communication between Indian and Pakistani officials, using established diplomatic and military channels, not through any international intervention.
“This was a sovereign decision taken by India, and it was Pakistan that requested a halt to hostilities,” Misri clarified. “The narrative suggesting U.S. involvement in mediation is unfounded.”
The Prime Minister further underscored that India no longer views terrorism as a proxy war, but as a direct act of war—a doctrinal shift demonstrated through the strategic and targeted operations under Operation Sindoor.
President Trump, according to Misri, expressed his understanding and support for India’s strong stance against terrorism and acknowledged India’s right to defend its sovereignty.
Missed G7 Meeting, But Diplomatic Dialogue Intact
Though a meeting between Modi and Trump had been scheduled on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, it could not take place due to the U.S. President’s early departure. Nonetheless, Trump expressed his desire for a conversation, leading to the telephonic exchange.
Trump also reportedly invited PM Modi to visit Washington on his return from Canada, but the Prime Minister cited prior commitments and conveyed his regret at not being able to accommodate the visit immediately.
Opposition Raises Questions Over U.S.-Pakistan Dynamics
Meanwhile, the Indian opposition has raised concerns about the timing and optics of General Asim Munir’s visit to Washington. Reports confirmed that the Pakistan Army Chief would have lunch with President Trump at the White House at 1 PM EDT.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera and senior leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the American outreach, questioning its implications in the backdrop of Pakistan’s alleged involvement in recent terror attacks in Jammu & Kashmir, including the Pahalgam massacre.
“Why are the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister silent on this outrageous American outreach to Pakistan?” Ramesh wrote on X, while reiterating calls for transparency in India’s diplomatic response.
Nonetheless, New Delhi’s message remains unambiguous—India will chart its course in foreign and security policy, grounded in national interest and firm on the issue of cross-border terrorism.
Strategic Autonomy in Action
India’s approach under Prime Minister Modi reflects a mature and assertive foreign policy framework, balancing strategic partnerships with clear red lines. By publicly rejecting any notion of mediation and reaffirming the principle of bilateral resolution, India has demonstrated not only its diplomatic self-confidence but also its consistency in dealing with sensitive geopolitical matters.
As global dynamics continue to shift, India is positioning itself as a nation that engages constructively, but on its terms—a message reiterated once again through Wednesday’s high-level conversation.