US state dept says ‘proud of India-Pak ceasefire’, stays mum on Modi-Trump phone call

While Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, India has time and again mentioned that the understanding was arrived at after a conversation between directors general of military operations (DGMOs)

The United States has refused to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion to President Donald Trump that America played no part in mediating between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor -- a statement Modi made during a 35-minute call with the US President in June.

While Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, India has time and again mentioned that the understanding was arrived at after a conversation between directors general of military operations (DGMOs).

During a call with President Trump in June, PM Modi clearly conveyed that at no point during the entire Operation Sindoor, there was a discussion on an India-US trade deal or any proposal for mediation by the US between the neighbouring countries.

"The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request. Prime Minister Modi firmly stated that India does not and will never accept mediation," according to an official statement.

On a query from CNN-News18 over the matter as well as the India-US trade negotiations, a US State Department spokesperson said that they are “proud of the US brokered ceasefire reached between India and Pakistan".

The spokesperson also said that the US commends Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for choosing the path of peace, adding that both leaders showed strength, wisdom and fortitude.

The spokesperson also urged India and Pakistan to “directly communicate (with each other) to avert future conflict."

CNN-NEWS18 questioned the US on President Trump's assertion that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. It also sought information on what was discussed during President Modi's conversation with Trump in June.

“We do not comment on private diplomatic conversations," the US spokesperson said.

On a question over trade talks with India, the spokesperson said they are well “on track”. “We value our ongoing engagement with the Government of India on trade and investment matters. We look forward to continuing to advance a trade agreement that leads to a productive and balanced trade relationship between our two countries," the spokesperson told CNN-NEWS18.

Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil.