NEW DELHI — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 17) that the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, following a brief conflict in May, resulted from direct military discussions between the two nations—without any involvement from the U.S., according to India's top diplomat.

President Trump previously claimed that the U.S. had mediated the ceasefire and persuaded the South Asian rivals to shift their focus to trade. However, India has consistently denied the role of any third-party in the peace process. The conversation between Modi and Trump, held on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada, was their first since the clashes from May 7 to 10. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated, “Prime Minister Modi clearly told President Trump that at no point was there discussion about a U.S.-India trade deal or any U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan.”

He emphasized that the ceasefire talks were conducted directly via existing military communication channels and were initiated by Pakistan. Modi reaffirmed India’s long-standing position against external mediation in its disputes with Pakistan. Although a meeting between the two leaders was scheduled during the summit, it didn’t occur as Trump left early due to developments in the Middle East. The White House did not comment immediately on the conversation.

Pakistan previously noted that the ceasefire was finalized after its military responded to an Indian call on May 7.

The conflict—the worst in years—was triggered by a deadly April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. India accused Pakistan-based militants, an allegation Pakistan denied. India retaliated with airstrikes on what it described as terrorist infrastructure across the border, leading to a four-day escalation involving heavy weaponry, including fighter jets and drones. Misri added that Trump voiced support for India’s anti-terrorism efforts, and Modi confirmed that India’s cross-border military operation, Operation Sindoor, is ongoing. Trump had invited Modi to visit the U.S. following the summit, but Modi declined due to prior commitments. Instead, he invited Trump to India for the upcoming Quad leaders' summit, which Trump accepted. 

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.