What happened?
On June 18, 2025, US President Donald Trump once again claimed credit for preventing a “war” between India and Pakistan, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Army chief General Asim Munir for their roles in de-escalating tensions in May. Trump stated, “I stopped the war between India and Pakistan. I love Pakistan, and Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night, and we will make a trade deal with Modi of India”. He further credited General Munir and Prime Minister Modi for their influential roles in calming the situation. However, India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, stated that Prime Minister Modi informed President Trump on June 17 that the ceasefire was achieved through direct talks between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, not US mediation. Misri clarified that India has never accepted third-party mediation and would not do so in the future. The recent hostilities were sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, which led to Indian fighter jets bombing terrorist infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7, triggering four days of military tensions.
Why it matters to India
India’s firm denial of any US mediation in de-escalating the May conflict with Pakistan reinforces its long-standing policy of resolving bilateral issues without third-party intervention. This stance is crucial for safeguarding India’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy in its foreign policy. Prime Minister Modi’s direct communication to President Trump underscores India’s clear position on its bilateral relations with Pakistan and its approach to conflict resolution. The emphasis that talks for ceasing military action happened directly through existing military channels highlights India’s capability and preference for direct engagement with Pakistan on security matters. Furthermore, President Trump’s expression of support for India’s fight against terrorism and Modi’s confirmation that India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ (cross-border strikes) was still ongoing, reinforces India’s proactive stance on counter-terrorism efforts.