Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a crucial 35-minute phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, during which he categorically stated that the pause in Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to terror infrastructure in Pakistan—was due to a direct request from Pakistan, not because of any third-party mediation or a trade deal offer from the United States.
This marks the first conversation between the two leaders since India paused its military operation in May. PM Modi emphasized that India’s actions in Operation Sindoor were precise, strategic, and entirely initiated and controlled by India.
No Room for Mediation
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified in a statement:
“PM Modi underlined that no trade issues were discussed in connection with Operation Sindoor. He firmly reiterated that India has never accepted third-party mediation on its matters with Pakistan and will not do so in the future.”
The Prime Minister strongly rejected any speculation of U.S. involvement in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and emphasized that decisions around military action were solely the outcome of bilateral communication between the two nations.
Strong Indian Response to Terror
PM Modi briefed President Trump on India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 and the subsequent escalation on May 6–7 and May 9–10. He confirmed that Indian forces struck terror launchpads inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan with measured but forceful strikes that caused significant damage to Pakistan’s military infrastructure and rendered several airbases inoperable.
According to Misri, “Modi told Trump that India will no longer view terrorism as a proxy war but as an act of war. Operation Sindoor is ongoing and represents this shift in policy.”
PM Modi also conveyed that Pakistan, overwhelmed by the damage and the pressure, requested a halt in hostilities—prompting India to pause its operations. This decision, he emphasized, came strictly through official India-Pakistan channels, not external influence.
No Trade Deal, No Conditions
Misri stressed that the decision to pause Operation Sindoor had no connection to any India-U.S. trade discussions. “The Prime Minister made it clear that no trade deal was discussed or offered as a condition for halting military action,” he said.
This clarification comes amid rumors that a potential U.S.-brokered trade deal might have played a role in India’s decision to pause military operations.
G-7 Invitation and Quad Meeting
President Trump, who had invited PM Modi to visit the U.S. on his return from the G-7 meeting in Canada, could not meet him as planned due to an early departure linked to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Instead, the two leaders agreed to speak by phone.
PM Modi declined the U.S. visit invitation due to prior commitments but extended an invitation to President Trump to attend the next QUAD summit in India later this year—a proposal Trump accepted with enthusiasm.
Warning of Escalation and U.S. Vice President’s Call
PM Modi also disclosed that he received a call from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on May 9, warning of a potential Pakistani strike. In response, Modi told Vance that India would retaliate with even greater force if such an attack occurred.
Discussing Global Conflicts
The leaders also discussed multiple global crises. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both PM Modi and President Trump agreed that direct dialogue between the two nations remains the most viable path to peace. They also reviewed the rising hostilities between Israel and Iran and reaffirmed their shared stance against terrorism and regional instability.
On the Indo-Pacific front, both leaders emphasized the vital role of the QUAD alliance (comprising India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia) in maintaining stability and security in the region.
Conclusion
The phone call between PM Modi and President Trump underscored India’s firm stance against terrorism, its rejection of external mediation in regional affairs, and the importance of clear, bilateral communication in global diplomacy. Operation Sindoor, as reaffirmed by PM Modi, is far from over—and India remains resolute in defending its sovereignty and security interests.
