Phone Call In Which PM Modi Rejected Trump’s Ceasefire Claims Strained India–US Ties: Report

Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly rejected Donald Trump’s claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during a tense phone call on June 17, Bloomberg has reported. Indian officials told the outlet the exchange marked a turning point in relations.

The 35-minute conversation took place after the US president left the Group of Seven summit in Canada early, cancelling a planned in-person meeting with Modi.

According to the Indian readout, Modi told Trump that the ceasefire was discussed directly between New Delhi and Islamabad at Pakistan’s request following Indian bombardments. He said India “does not and will never accept mediation.” Officials said Trump “listened carefully.”

Indian aides were also concerned that Trump planned to host Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House the next day. While New Delhi had no objection to meetings with Pakistan’s civilian leadership, it viewed an invitation to Munir as legitimising the military, which India accuses of backing militant groups.

Fearing that Trump might seek to arrange a meeting with Munir, Modi declined a White House stopover on his return from Canada, citing a prior engagement in Croatia.

Although the US never asked Modi to publicly endorse Trump’s role in the ceasefire, Indian officials noted a shift in tone from Washington afterwards.

In the months that followed, trade talks grew more contentious, disputes over Russian oil intensified, and Trump announced tariffs of 50 per cent on Indian exports, a move that now threatens to undo years of closer strategic ties.