NEW DELHI, June 18: In a strong diplomatic message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s unwavering stance on bilateral matters with Pakistan, asserting that India has “never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it.” The message was conveyed during a 35-minute phone conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, confirmed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday.
The call, which took place following the cancellation of their planned meeting at the G7 Summit, comes in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front—an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba—was followed by India’s retaliatory military action under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
“Prime Minister Modi explained that India’s response on the night of May 6–7 was precise, targeting only terrorist hideouts, and was designed to avoid escalation,” said Misri. He also noted that India’s counteroffensive following Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks on civilian and religious sites caused major damage, rendering several Pakistani airbases inoperable.
U.S. Vice President Vance had earlier warned PM Modi of a possible large-scale Pakistani retaliation. In response, Modi reportedly made it clear that any further provocation would be met with “even greater force.”
According to Misri, after facing heavy military losses, Pakistan approached India seeking a ceasefire. Modi told Trump that the ceasefire was agreed upon only at Pakistan’s request, and that India had neither discussed trade talks with the U.S. nor entertained any third-party involvement during the escalation.
“The halt to military action was coordinated through direct military channels between the two countries,” Misri stated, further underlining India’s refusal to accept outside mediation in its regional matters.
President Trump expressed understanding and support for India’s counter-terror stance, and both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to combating terrorism. Modi made it clear that any future act of terror emanating from Pakistan will be considered an act of war.
The leaders also discussed wider geopolitical issues including the Iran-Israel tensions, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and stressed the importance of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. In addition, Modi invited Trump to attend the next QUAD Summit in India, an invitation Trump accepted.
