Modi Refutes US Mediation in India-Pakistan Ceasefire
Following fresh tensions between India and Pakistan, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that he played a crucial role in halting the conflict, despite India firmly rejecting any American involvement. The dispute over who mediated the ceasefire unfolded hours after a 35-minute phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump.
Details of the Phone Conversation and Disputed Narratives
The call took place as Trump cut short his participation at the G7 Summit in Canada, cancelling a planned in-person meeting with Modi. According to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Prime Minister clarified that the ceasefire was initiated by Pakistan, emphasizing that India’s military operation, Operation Sindoor, was measured and non-escalatory. The action targeted only terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
Misri also stressed that no discussions on a trade deal occurred during the conversation, and highlighted that the ceasefire arose through existing military communication channels. Prime Minister Modi reportedly reaffirmed India’s stance of rejecting any third-party mediation, underlining a strong political consensus within the country.
Trump’s Contradictory Assertion and Diplomatic Implications
In contrast, Trump told reporters later that day ahead of his White House meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, that he had facilitated the end of the India-Pakistan conflict. He lauded both leaders, calling Modi “a fantastic man” and expressed affection toward Pakistan, claiming, “I stopped the war between Pakistan and India.”
Trump pointed out that both countries are nuclear powers and insisted that his use of trade diplomacy was instrumental in de-escalation. Frustrated over the lack of media recognition for his role, he remarked, “I don’t think I had one story written... I stopped a war between two major nuclear nations.”
India Maintains Ceasefire Was Directly Negotiated
India maintains the ceasefire dialogue began on May 10 when Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations initiated contact with his Indian counterpart, without any external mediation. The government continues to reject claims of third-party involvement, emphasizing that diplomatic channels between the two militaries managed the situation.
What This Means Going Forward
- The contrasting claims highlight ongoing disputes over credit for peace initiatives.
- India's rejection of mediation reflects its longstanding policy against external interference in bilateral matters.
- Trump’s insistence may signal attempts to highlight diplomatic achievements amid domestic and international scrutiny.
As tensions ease, the dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbors continues to rely on direct communication, with global attention focused on preventing future escalations.
