Trump Persists with India-Pakistan Ceasefire Claim Despite Modi’s Denial
US President Donald Trump reiterated his assertion that he was instrumental in halting a potential war between India and Pakistan, just hours after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly denied any US mediation in the ceasefire. The claim came during a press interaction outside the White House, ahead of a lunch meeting with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir.
Trump praised both Modi and Munir for their roles in de-escalating the conflict, stating, “This man [Munir] was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side, Modi from the India side, and others.” He emphasized the nuclear capabilities of both nations, adding, “They were going at it, and they’re both nuclear countries. I got it stopped.” Trump also mentioned plans for a trade deal with India, describing Modi as a “fantastic man” and expressing his affection for Pakistan.
However, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that Modi, during a 35-minute phone call with Trump on Tuesday, explicitly stated that the ceasefire following the May 7-10 conflict was achieved through direct talks between the Indian and Pakistani militaries, initiated by Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations on May 10. Misri emphasized that India has never accepted third-party mediation and will not do so in the future, a stance Modi conveyed directly to Trump.
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The phone call, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, was the first direct communication between the two leaders since the hostilities ceased. Modi had been invited to the summit as a guest, while Trump left the event early, canceling a planned in-person meeting. Despite Modi’s clarification, Trump maintained his narrative, claiming the media had underreported his role in the ceasefire.
Pakistan, in contrast, has acknowledged Washington’s involvement in facilitating the truce. Trump’s repeated claims, which he has made multiple times since May 10, have sparked criticism in India. The Congress party demanded that Modi publicly refute Trump’s assertions, arguing that such claims impact national security and sovereignty. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera stated, “Public claims made by President Trump simply cannot be countered by proxy.”
Trump’s Wednesday schedule included the notable lunch meeting with Munir in the White House’s Cabinet Room, an unusual diplomatic engagement that underscored the ongoing tensions over the ceasefire narrative.