Kananaskis (Canada), June 18 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone talk with US President Donald Trump today and told him in unequivocal terms that India has neither allowed nor will allow third party mediation in resolving the issue of illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir).
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. However, President Trump had to return to the U.S. early due to which the meeting could not take place. After this, at the request of President Trump, both leaders spoke over a phone call.
The conversation lasted approximately 35 minutes, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said.
'The Prime Minister firmly stated that India does not and will never accept mediation. There is complete political consensus in India on this matter,' the Foreign Secretary said.
This was the first conversation between the two leaders after President Trump expressed condolences to Prime Minister Modi over a phone call after the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Prime Minister Modi spoke in detail about Operation Sindoor and told Trump that that after April 22,
India had conveyed its determination to take action against terrorism to the whole world. President Trump expressed support with India’s fight against terrorism, Misri said adding that Prime Minister Modi also stated India no longer views terrorism as a proxy war but as a war itself and that India’s Operation Sindoor is still on.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed to President Trump that on May 6-7 night, India had only targeted terrorist camps and hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). He said India’s actions were very 'measured, precise, and non-escalatory.' India had also made it clear that any act of aggression from Pakistan would be met with a stronger response.
At no point during this entire sequence of events was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-U.S. Trade Deal or any proposal for a mediation by the U.S. between India and Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said the discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication and it was initiated at Pakistan's request.
President Trump enquired if Prime Minister Modi could stop over in the U.S. on his way back from Canada. Prime Minister Modi, however, expressed his inability to do so because of prior commitments. Both leaders agreed to make efforts to meet in the near future.
President Trump and Prime Minister Modi also discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Both leaders agreed that for peace in the Russia - Ukraine conflict, direct dialogue between the two parties is essential, and continued efforts should be made to facilitate this.
About the Indo-Pacific region, both leaders shared their perspectives and expressed support towards the significant role of QUAD in the region.
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to President Trump to visit India for the next QUAD Summit. President Trump accepted the invitation and said that he is looking forward to visiting India. UNI RB SSP