PM Modi Clarifies to Trump: Ceasefire Was Pakistan’s Request, Not U.S. Initiative

In a significant phone call initiated at President Donald Trump’s request, Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarified that the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire was driven by Pakistan’s appeal.
Responding to Trump’s assertion that the U.S. mediated the truce following India’s Operation Sindoor, Modi firmly stated that Pakistan initiated the ceasefire request. This 35-minute conversation, prompted by Trump’s outreach, underscored India’s commitment to bilateral resolutions and dispelled notions of American involvement, reinforcing India’s sovereign approach to regional disputes.

Context of the Ceasefire

The ceasefire, effective May 10, 2025, followed a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist sites in Pakistan, escalating tensions. By 5:00 PM, both sides agreed to cease military actions along the Line of Control (LoC), with no third-party involvement. Modi’s clarification to Trump emphasized that this agreement was purely between the two nations’ militaries, aligning with the 1972 Simla Agreement’s bilateral framework.

Rebutting U.S. Claims

Trump’s Truth Social post claimed U.S. mediation, citing pressure on Pakistan and linking a $1 billion IMF loan to compliance. India swiftly countered this narrative. Modi, supported by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reiterated that no external mediation occurred. The call with Trump also covered broader issues like Indo-Pacific stability, but Modi firmly excluded trade or tariff discussions, focusing on correcting the ceasefire narrative and affirming India’s stance against third-party involvement in Kashmir.

Strengthening India’s Position

Modi’s conversation with Trump highlights India’s assertive diplomacy in maintaining control over its regional narrative. By clarifying Pakistan’s role in seeking the truce, India reinforces its policy of direct engagement with neighbors. Despite minor ceasefire violations, the agreement holds, with both nations scheduling further DGMO talks. This episode showcases India’s ability to navigate global perceptions while prioritizing national sovereignty, ensuring its voice resonates in international forums.