June 18 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly conveyed to former U.S. President Donald Trump that India has “never accepted and will never accept” any third-party mediation in its bilateral matters with Pakistan. The statement was made during a recent phone call between the two leaders, in response to Trump’s repeated claims of credit for negotiating a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor.
The Indian government issued a strong denial following Trump’s assertions during a public address, where he claimed to have played a crucial role in halting hostilities between India and Pakistan. Trump referred to the recent LoC tensions under Operation Sindoor, stating he had helped prevent further escalation by mediating between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that during the conversation, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position that all matters concerning Pakistan are to be resolved bilaterally, without any external intervention.
“India has always maintained that there is no scope for third-party mediation in issues related to Pakistan. The Prime Minister clearly conveyed this position to President Trump,” a senior MEA official said on condition of anonymity.
This is not the first time Trump has claimed a role in India-Pakistan relations. In 2019, he had stated that Prime Minister Modi requested U.S. mediation on the Kashmir issue, a claim that was categorically denied by New Delhi. The latest remarks have reignited similar concerns over misrepresentation of India’s foreign policy stance.
Operation Sindoor refers to a recent flare-up along the Line of Control (LoC) that lasted several days before de-escalating following diplomatic and military-level discussions between both nations. No official record or acknowledgment from either government has suggested any third-party involvement in the ceasefire process.
Opposition leaders in India have also reacted sharply, urging the government to maintain transparency and reiterate India’s diplomatic independence. However, the prompt clarification by the MEA and Prime Minister Modi’s statement have quelled much of the speculation.
India’s official position, grounded in the 1972 Simla Agreement, has consistently emphasized resolving all issues with Pakistan through bilateral dialogue. External mediation has been firmly rejected in both official policy and practice.
The latest exchange between Modi and Trump underscores India’s unwavering stance on sovereignty in diplomatic engagements, especially amid international claims that could potentially distort facts on sensitive geopolitical matters.
