Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly refuted claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following a deadly four-day conflict in May.
According to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Modi clarified during a phone conversation with Trump that the ceasefire was negotiated directly between Indian and Pakistani military officials.
The leaders spoke late Tuesday, on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, where Modi attended as a special guest. The call marked their first direct interaction since the May 7–10 conflict, which saw the worst India-Pakistan military escalation in years.
“Prime Minister Modi told President Trump clearly that there was no discussion at any point about U.S. mediation or an India-U.S. trade deal during that period,” Misri stated in a press release. “Talks for ceasing military action happened directly between India and Pakistan through existing military channels, and on the insistence of Pakistan.”
Trump had previously asserted that the United States played a mediating role, claiming the hostilities subsided after he urged both nuclear-armed neighbors to prioritize economic cooperation over conflict. India has consistently denied accepting third-party intervention in its bilateral issues with Pakistan.
The conflict was triggered by a terror attack on April 22 in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, including several tourists. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the attack, an allegation Islamabad denied. In response, India launched cross-border airstrikes on May 7, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure. The exchange of fire that followed included the use of jets, drones, missiles, and heavy artillery.
Misri said that Modi also briefed Trump on India’s ongoing Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terror networks in the region. Trump reportedly expressed his support for India’s counterterrorism efforts.
While the two leaders were initially scheduled to meet in person during the G7, Trump departed a day early due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
During the call, Trump proposed stopping by the U.S. during Modi’s return trip, but Modi declined, citing prior commitments.
However, Modi extended an invitation for Trump to visit India later this year for the upcoming Quad leaders’ summit – an offer Trump accepted, Misri confirmed.
The White House has not yet commented on the call.