THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, June 18: Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump held a 35-minute phone conversation, during which they discussed Operation Sindoor in detail.
The two leaders also spoke about pressing global issues, including the Iran-Israel war, India-Pakistan relations, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The call came at a time when the two were scheduled to meet during the G7 Summit in Canada, but the meeting could not take place due to President Trump’s early return to the U.S., as confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Trump Had Earlier Expressed Condolences over Pahalgam Attack
Misri stated that a meeting between PM Modi and President Trump was planned during the G7 Summit, but Trump had to leave Canada early. Following this, at Trump’s request, the two leaders spoke on the phone for about 35 minutes.
Misri noted that the last time they spoke was when Trump had called Modi on April 22 to express condolences over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and conveyed U.S. support in the fight against terrorism. This latest phone call marked their first conversation since then, during which PM Modi elaborated on the details of Operation Sindoor.
India Firm on No Mediation in Indo-Pak Issues
Foreign Secretary Misri clarified that PM Modi made it clear to President Trump that there were no talks of any trade agreement between India and the U.S., nor was there any discussion about mediation between India and Pakistan.
Modi emphasized that the ceasefire process between India and Pakistan was initiated at the request of the Pakistani military and carried out through military communication channels, with no involvement from the U.S. He reiterated that India has never accepted third-party mediation and never will.
PM Modi Invites Trump For QUAD Summit
President Trump invited PM Modi to stop by the U.S. on his way back from Canada, but the Prime Minister declined citing prior commitments. However, both leaders agreed to meet in the future. PM Modi also invited President Trump to India for the upcoming QUAD summit, which Trump accepted, expressing enthusiasm for visiting India.
Concerns Over Iran-Israel War and Global Crises
The leaders also discussed the ongoing Iran-Israel war, expressing concern that if the situation remains unchecked, it could escalate into a major global crisis. They also talked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict and agreed on the need to work towards peace efforts.
