India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted during a discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump on the evening of June 17 that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, following a four-day conflict in May, was reached through direct communication between the two nations’ militaries rather than through U.S. intervention, as stated by India’s highest-ranking diplomat. Last month, Trump claimed that the nuclear-capable South Asian countries had agreed to a ceasefire following discussions facilitated by the U.S., and that the cessation of hostilities occurred after he encouraged both nations to prioritize trade over conflict. “PM Modi made it clear to President Trump that at no point during this period were there discussions regarding topics such as the India-U.S. trade agreement or U.S. mediation in the India-Pakistan situation,” Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed in a press release.
“The negotiations to halt military actions were conducted directly between India and Pakistan through established military channels, and were initiated at Pakistan’s request. Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has consistently rejected mediation in the past and will continue to do so,” he added. Misri noted that the two leaders had a phone conversation at Trump’s request during the G7 summit in Canada, which Modi attended as a guest. The conversation lasted for 35 minutes. The White House has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding the Modi-Trump discussion. The phone call between Modi and Trump occurred just hours before Trump’s scheduled lunch meeting with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir.”THE PRESIDENT is having lunch with the Chief of Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the White House announced as it published Trump’s daily agenda late on the night of June 17.
underscores the nation’s commitment to direct negotiations and diplomatic integrity.
