Modi Firmly Rejects Third-Party Mediation on Kashmir in Call with Trump

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made India's position crystal clear during a phone call with US President Donald Trump - India will never accept outside help to solve the Kashmir issue.

The 35-minute conversation happened after Trump repeatedly claimed he helped stop recent fighting between India and Pakistan. Trump had said he used trade deals as leverage and offered to mediate on Kashmir.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri explained that Modi firmly told Trump that India has never accepted mediation on Kashmir and never will. "There is complete political unity in India on this issue," Misri said.

Modi also corrected Trump's earlier statements, making it clear that no discussions about US-India trade deals or American mediation happened during the recent tensions with Pakistan.

During their talk, Modi briefed Trump about Operation Sindoor, explaining that India only targeted terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He emphasized that India's actions were careful, precise, and did not escalate the situation. Trump understood Modi's points and expressed support for India's fight against terrorism, according to Misri.

The two leaders also discussed other global issues, including the Israel-Iran conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both Heads agreed that direct talks between Russia and Ukraine are essential for maintaining global peace and security. The phone call happened at Trump's request, who had asked Modi to visit the US on his way back from Canada. However, Modi couldn't make the trip due to prior commitments. 

Modi ended the call by inviting Trump to visit India for the next QUAD meeting, which Trump accepted.