India Reaffirms Stance Against Third-Party Mediation on Kashmir in Modi-Trump Call

India has once again reiterated its firm opposition to third-party mediation in the Kashmir issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying the country’s position in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The 35-minute call, held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, followed recent speculation surrounding U.S. involvement in facilitating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

The call was initiated by President Trump, days after his administration claimed credit for easing tensions in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor — a counter-terror offensive launched by India following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including tourists.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified on Wednesday that the ceasefire was the result of direct military-to-military engagement between India and Pakistan, and not brokered by the U.S. “India has never accepted, does not accept, and will not accept any form of third-party mediation in matters related to Pakistan, particularly on Kashmir,” Misri said, quoting Prime Minister Modi.

Modi reportedly briefed Trump on India’s targeted military strategy during Operation Sindoor, stressing that Indian forces only struck terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Prime Minister also dismissed speculation that the U.S. had linked a ceasefire deal to trade negotiations, asserting, “There was no trade deal angle.”

President Trump, in response, extended support to India in its ongoing fight against terrorism. He had originally planned a face-to-face meeting with Modi at the G7 Summit, but rising tensions in the Middle East prompted his early departure, converting the planned interaction into a telephonic discussion.

The U.S. President invited Modi for an official visit to Washington, which the Indian Prime Minister declined, citing prior commitments. However, Modi extended an invitation to Trump to attend the upcoming Quad Summit in New Delhi — an invitation Trump accepted.

This high-level exchange underscores India’s long-standing position that the Kashmir conflict is a bilateral issue with Pakistan. While Pakistan has remained open to international mediation, India continues to reject such proposals, viewing them as attempts to internationalise the issue.

Analysts suggest that repeated mediation offers, particularly from the U.S., are likely to be seen by New Delhi as intrusive and counterproductive. India’s firm stance signals a continued preference for direct engagement with Pakistan and a cautious approach to international diplomacy in the region.