India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri offered a rare glimpse into the high-level diplomacy shaping South Asia’s volatile security landscape, as he briefed reporters today on the telephonic exchange between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. The conversation—lasting approximately thirty-five minutes—comes at a time of escalating tensions following the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack and in the wake of India’s ongoing Operation Sindoor against cross-border terrorism.

According to Misri, the two leaders had originally planned to meet on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. However, President Trump’s early return to the United States prevented an in-person discussion, leading to today’s detailed phone call at Trump’s request.

Foreign Secretary Misri highlighted that this was the first substantive conversation between the two leaders since President Trump had offered condolences and pledged support to India in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam attack. During the call, Prime Minister Modi elaborated at length on the objectives and progress of Operation Sindoor, India’s assertive military response against terror groups operating from Pakistani territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Modi, as relayed by Misri, made clear that after April 22, India had publicly and resolutely declared its determination to combat terrorism. “India’s actions on the night of May 6 were measured, precise, and strictly non-escalatory, targeting only terrorist infrastructure,” said Misri. He emphasized that India’s military retaliation was not indiscriminate but targeted, and that New Delhi had communicated to Islamabad that any further provocations would be met with an even stronger response.

On the night of May 9, according to Misri, India’s armed forces dealt a decisive blow to Pakistan’s military assets, rendering several key airbases inoperable. This robust response, he said, compelled Pakistan to appeal directly—through established military channels—for an end to hostilities. At no point, Foreign Secretary Misri underlined, did India discuss any trade deals or third-party mediation with the United States. “All communications on de-escalation were strictly bilateral, at the military level, and initiated by Pakistan,” Misri stated. “India has never accepted nor will it ever accept mediation on this matter. There is full political consensus in India on this policy.”

President Trump, Misri noted, expressed his understanding of India’s stance and reiterated his support for India’s fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Modi, for his part, asserted that India now regards terrorism as a form of war—not merely as acts of proxy violence—and affirmed that Operation Sindoor remains active, with the Indian military continuing to strike terrorist targets.

The conversation also touched on global affairs, with both leaders discussing the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Modi and Trump agreed that direct dialogue between the parties is essential for restoring peace and pledged to support efforts in that direction. President Trump inquired about the possibility of stopping in the United States on his return from Canada; Modi, citing prior commitments, expressed his regrets but extended a formal invitation for President Trump to visit India in the near future. Trump accepted, affirming his eagerness to visit.

The exchange, as detailed by Foreign Secretary Misri, underscores the growing strategic understanding between Washington and New Delhi. For India, the message was unequivocal: Operation Sindoor will persist until the threat of cross-border terrorism is fully neutralized, and India will neither seek nor accept outside mediation on matters vital to its security.

As the region remains on edge, the steadfast resolve echoed by India’s leadership signals that the campaign against terrorism is far from over—and the lines of communication between Delhi and Washington remain robust and candid.

Narendra Modi Donald Trump Pakistan Vikram Misri