India never has, never will accept mediation: PM Modi to U.S. President Trump on India-Pakistan issue

U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 17, 2025) that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never do it in future. There is complete political consensus on this issue in India, PM Modi said, according according to a media briefing by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Trump spoke over a phone call for 35 minutes since the meeting that was scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the G7 summit did not happen. Mr. Trump returned to the U.S. as the Iran-Israel conflict started intensifying, Mr. Misri said.

The Union government has iterated it many times that the the Directors-General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan “directly” had reached an understanding to end hostilities. The first intimation of the cessation of hostilities between New Delhi and Islamabad came not from either capital but from Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit for the U.S. mediation of the conflict.

“Mr. Modi told Mr. Trump that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never do it in future. There is complete political consensus on this issue in India,” Mr. Misri said. “The discussion on halting military operations took place directly between India and Pakistan through existing military channels, and it was at Pakistan’s request, Mr. Modi said.”

The two leaders touched upon many issues including India’s fight against terrorism, Operation Sindoor, the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war. Mr. Trump has expressed his support for India’s fight against terrorism.

After the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, President Trump had called PM Modi to express his condolences and had conveyed his support against terrorism. This was the first conversation between the two leaders since then, the Foreign Secretary said.

Mr. Misri said the two leaders discussed in detail the attack that happened, and India’s reaction to it. Mr. Modi discussed Operation Sindoor in detail with President Trump. “Mr. Modi clearly told Mr. Trump that after April 22, India had demonstrated to the entire world its firm resolve to act against terrorism,” Mr. Misri said.

“PM Modi told President Trump that on the night of May 6–7, India targeted only terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India’s actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” Mr. Misri said.

“India made it clear that if Pakistan fires bullets, India will respond with shells,” Mr. Misri said.

Prime Minister Modi also said that India now views terrorism not as a proxy war, but as a full-fledged war, and that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, Mr. Misri said.

Vance spoke to PM Modi on May 9

The Foreign Secretary said on the night of May 9, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance had called Prime Minister Modi. “Mr. Vance had said that Pakistan could launch a major attack on India, and Mr. Modi told him in clear terms that if that happens, India would respond even more strongly.”

On the night of May 9–10, India gave a very strong response to Pakistan’s attack, inflicting significant damage on the Pakistani Army. Its military airbases were rendered inoperable. Due to India’s strong counteraction, Pakistan had to request India to halt military action, Mr. Modi told Mr. Trump during the call.

Trump invites Modi to U.S.

Mr. Trump is learnt to have invited the Prime Minister to the U.S., asking if he could “stop by” on his way from Canada. Due to pre-scheduled engagements, Mr. Modi expressed his inability.

The two leaders have decided to try meeting in future.

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi also discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both agreed that direct dialogue between the two sides is essential for peace and that efforts should continue toward that goal, Mr. Misri said.

Regarding the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders shared their perspectives and expressed support for the important role of QUAD. For the next QUAD meeting, Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to visit India. President Trump accepted the invitation and said he looks forward to visiting India, Mr. Misri said.

Published - June 18, 2025 09:57 am IST