PM Modi strongly opposes mediation in Kashmir and terrorism issues

New Delhi (India) June 18: According Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly emphasized that "India has never accepted, and will never accept," third-party mediation in cases like the recent counterterrorism action in Pakistan under "Operation Sindoor," 

At the US president's request, Modi and Trump spoke over the phone. The two leaders talked about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific within the Quad framework, Operation Sindoor, and the ongoing wars in Europe and West Asia.

PM Modi informed Trump during the call that "India now regards terrorism not as proxy war but actual war." Trump responded by expressing his sympathies for the horrific terror atrocity in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

According to Misri, Modi clarified during the phone that an agreement in the dispute with Pakistan last month was struck after India granted Pakistan's request for one. This is essentially a denial of Trump and his supporters' statements that he mediated a ceasefire and used trade to mend the gap between nations.

Misri said, "PM Modi stressed that India never accepted mediation, it does not accept it now, nor will it ever do that. On this issue, there is full political unanimity." 

Misri also added, "Prime Minister Modi made it clear to President Trump that during this entire episode, at no time, at any level, were issues such as India-US trade deal or mediation by the US between India and Pakistan discussed. The halt to military action was discussed directly between India and Pakistan, through existing channels of the two armies, and was at the request of Pakistan.”

President Trump asked Prime Minister Modi if he could make a brief stop in the United States before returning from Canada. Prime Minister Modi stated that he was unable to do so because of previous obligations. It was decided by both leaders to try to meet soon.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump also talked about the ongoing Israeli-Iranian tension. Both leaders agreed that direct communication between the two sides is crucial to achieving peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and that ongoing efforts should be made to make this possible.

The next Quad Summit will take place in India, and Prime Minister Modi invited President Trump to attend. President Trump stated that he is excited to travel to India after accepting the invitation.

Aadrika Tayal