Indian prime minister Narendra Modi has directly addressed the contentious issue of US involvement in the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire, making it clear to US President Donald Trump that the May truce was the result of direct military talks between India and Pakistan, not American mediation.
This clarification came during a phone call between the two leaders, which lasted over half an hour, according to Indian officials.
“No US Role in Ceasefire,” Modi Tells Trump
According to senior Indian diplomat Vikram Misri, who released a video statement after the call, Modi was unequivocal in his message to Trump. "PM Modi told President Trump, in clear terms, that there was no talk of an India-US trade deal or any US mediation at any point during the time frame between the April 22 attack and the ceasefire on May 10. Ceasefire talks took place directly between the militaries of India and Pakistan, through their existing channels. That too, at the request of Pakistan," Misri said in the statement.
Modi further emphasized India’s long-standing position on third-party mediation, "PM Modi strongly emphasized that India has never accepted third-party mediation and nor will it in the future."
Contradictory Claims: US, India, and Pakistan
The issue of mediation has been a point of contention since Trump publicly claimed that the nuclear-armed neighbors agreed to a ceasefire after US-brokered talks, following a four-day conflict that began after the Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Trump has repeatedly said that the ceasefire was achieved after he urged both leaders to focus on trade, a narrative that India has consistently denied.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has thanked Trump for his “pathbreaking leadership and commitment to global peace.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the ceasefire was agreed upon after the Pakistani military returned a call initiated by the Indian military, but also acknowledged Trump’s role in facilitating the truce.
How the Ceasefire Was Reached
Official accounts and press releases confirm that the ceasefire was agreed after direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan.
“Ceasefire talks took place directly between the militaries of India and Pakistan, through their existing channels. That too, at the request of Pakistan,” Misri reiterated.
According to Indian sources, the DGMOs spoke on May 10, 2025, and agreed to halt all firing and military action from 5:00 pm IST. The ceasefire was then publicly announced by both governments, and military hotlines were reactivated to maintain communication.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance were in contact with both sides during the negotiations, Indian officials have stressed that the ceasefire was not the result of foreign mediation but rather a bilateral understanding, consistent with India’s policy since the Simla Agreement of 1972.
Trump’s Response and Further Discussions
Vikram Misri noted that Trump “understood” Modi’s points during the 35-minute conversation and extended his support to India’s counter-terrorism efforts. However, no further details were provided about Trump’s reaction.
The phone call was the first direct conversation between Modi and Trump since April 22, when Trump called to express condolences for the Pahalgam attack victims.
Broader Context: Why US Mediation Is Contentious
The question of US mediation is sensitive in India, particularly regarding Kashmir. India maintains a strict policy of resolving all issues with Pakistan bilaterally, without third-party involvement. Trump’s repeated claims of brokering the ceasefire have caused confusion and anger among Indians, especially in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
Additional Topics: Terrorism and Diplomatic Scheduling
During the call, Modi also told Trump that India now considers cross-border terrorism an act of war, not just proxy war. He added that operations against terrorists were ongoing.
Trump reportedly invited Modi to stop in Washington after the G7 summit in Canada, but Modi declined due to a scheduled visit to Croatia. The two leaders agreed to meet in person soon, according to Misri.
Despite public claims and international speculation, India has firmly reiterated that the May 2025 ceasefire with Pakistan was achieved through direct military-to-military communication, with no US mediation involved.
Modi’s direct clarification to Trump underscores India’s commitment to bilateralism in its dealings with Pakistan, especially on sensitive issues like Kashmir.
