The Trump-Modi Call Finally Takes Place; 'India Rejects Third Party Mediation' Says Pakistan Foreign Minister; And More

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'Thank You, My Friend'; 'Thank You For Your Support, Narendra'

US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended advance greetings on the latter's 75th birthday which falls on 17 September.

"Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump" posted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X.

Minutes earlier, Trump had posted on his Truth Social platform: "Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine! President DJT".

Observers pointed out that this was after a long time that Modi referred to Trump as his 'friend' and Trump referred to Modi by first name.

The phone call comes at a time when US-India relations have been volatile. For nearly all of August the Trump administration was insistent on imposing and maintaining 50 per cent tariffs on India. It is only in recent days that President Trump has struck a conciliatory tone and trade negotiations between the two sides have resumed in New Delhi.

Indeed, the PIB put out a short release yesterday informing that discussions between the two sides have been positive and that they look for an early conclusion to discussions on a trade agreement.

"A team of officials from the office of United States Trade Representative led by Chief Negotiator, India US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations Mr.Brendan Lynch visited India on September 16, 2025. They held discussions with officials from Department of Commerce, led by Special Secretary, Department of Commerce on India-US trade ties including on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement.

"Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the U.S., the discussions were positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement."

Pakistan Open to Third-Party Mediation with India, But New Delhi Refuses

Pakistan's Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has revealed that India categorically rejects third-party involvement in bilateral disputes, despite Islamabad's openness to external mediation.

Speaking to Al Jazeera in Doha during an Arab-Islamic emergency summit, Dar cited his July meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who confirmed India's consistent stance that all issues remain "bilateral matters."

Dar's comment contradicts both Pakistan's and US President Donald Trump's statement that it was Trump who mediated a 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan after India launched Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May.

Dar emphasized Pakistan's 'commitment to peaceful dialogue and friendly relations with all neighbours' while warning that national sovereignty remains non-negotiable. He also issued a stern caution against any attempts to disrupt water sharing under the Indus Waters Treaty, describing such actions as tantamount to a "declaration of war."

The Pakistan deputy prime minister also said that Pakistan's nuclear capability has never been used but would defend sovereignty "at all costs." He also described Kashmir as an internationally recognized dispute requiring resolution through established U.N. frameworks and diplomatic channels.

JeM Commander Says Masood Azhar Lost Family Members in Operation Sindoor

Even as Dar was making his comments in Doha, a Jaish-e-Mohammad commander has publicly stated that terror chief Masood Azhar's family was "torn into pieces" during Indian missile strikes on May 7 targeting the group's Bahawalpur headquarters.

In a viral video from September 6's Mission Mustafa Conference in Punjab, JeM commander Ilyas Kashmiri acknowledged the impact of India's Operation Sindoor. Speaking among armed men, he confirmed that Azhar's family members were killed in the precision strikes on their stronghold.

The Indian operation followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir. According to statements attributed to Azhar, the Bahawalpur strike killed 10 family members of his four close associates.

Pakistan Army generals and senior officials attended the funerals of those killed. Azhar, designated a "global terrorist" by the UN in 2019, has remained in hiding since April 2019.

Other developments

Maoists Offer to Give Up Arms in Purported Letter to Chhattisgarh Government

A purported letter from the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) surfaced in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, offering to abandon armed struggle in response to "changed world and country circumstances" and government appeals.

The letter, allegedly issued by CPI (Maoist) spokesperson Abhay, declares readiness for peace talks with the Union Home Minister while seeking a temporary halt to armed operations. The Maoists claim they will "fight with political parties on public issues" instead of violence.

Notably, the group has sought opinions from supporters through Facebook and email, expressing need to consult jailed cadres before finalising their position. They reiterated their previous demand for a month-long cessation of security operations to facilitate dialogue.

Under pressure from sustained Bastar operations and facing leadership crisis after former general secretary Basavaraju's death, the Maoists referenced their May 10 ceasefire proposal that received no government response.

State authorities are verifying the letter's authenticity, with officials stating any dialogue decision rests with the government after proper assessment.

Palaniswami Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Amit Shah Amid AIADMK Unity Crisis

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, amid growing speculation about internal party divisions over readmitting expelled leaders ahead of Tamil Nadu's 2026 assembly elections.

Multiple reports in media citing sources indicated Palaniswami maintained his firm stance against bringing back ousted leaders like O Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran, despite pressure from some party factions seeking reunification.

The BJP, leading the NDA alliance, reportedly wants AIADMK unity to challenge the ruling DMK effectively.

Before leaving Chennai, Palaniswami dismissed merger speculation, stating those who "betrayed" the party have no place in it. He emphasized that "self-respect is more important than power" and vowed against compromising his position.

Veteran leaders including KA Sengottaiyan and K Sasikala have called for reunification, but Palaniswami appears determined to consolidate his leadership without readmitting expelled members.

During his Delhi visit, Palaniswami also congratulated newly-elected Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, calling his elevation "immense pride for Tamil Nadu."

You’re all caught up. Until next time.