Kashmir issue not open for mediation, Modi tells Trump

(Web Desk): Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has stated that during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it explicitly clear that India will never accept third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue.

According to Misri, the conversation took place on the sidelines of the G7 summit and lasted for 35 minutes. Modi also briefed Trump on India’s “Operation Sandur” and reiterated that there had been no discussion about mediation at any level between India and Pakistan, nor does India accept such interference.

He further claimed that the recent ceasefire with Pakistan was achieved through direct military-to-military communication.

Misri said that President Trump understood Modi’s position and expressed solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism. However, Modi declined Trump’s invitation to visit the US due to time constraints.

It is worth noting that tensions between the two countries escalated following the Pulwama attack last month, and after Pakistan's retaliatory actions, India reportedly sought US assistance for a ceasefire. President Trump has on several occasions claimed credit for this de-escalation.