Modi Tells Trump Terror From Pakistan Will Be Treated As War

NEW DELHI (IANS) – Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced on June 18 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, conveyed a firm warning: any terrorist attack traced to Pakistan would be viewed by India as an act of war. Modi also confirmed that Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, remains ongoing.

The 35-minute phone call—the first direct exchange between the two leaders since the Pahalgam attack—was held at President Trump’s request, following the cancellation of their planned meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. Trump had returned early to the United States.

Modi briefed Trump on India’s “measured, precise, and non-escalatory” strikes conducted during the night of May 6-7. He stressed that Indian forces had targeted only terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, avoiding civilian or military escalation.

Following the strikes, Modi said, Pakistan initiated contact requesting a ceasefire. India agreed, but Modi was emphatic that the decision was made solely through bilateral military channels, with no involvement of third parties.

“There was no discussion of India-U.S. trade talks or any third-party mediation,” Misri said, underlining India’s unwavering position. “India has never accepted, does not accept, and will never accept outside mediation on matters concerning Pakistan. This view enjoys complete political consensus in the country.”

According to Misri, Trump acknowledged and supported India’s stance against terrorism.

During the call, Trump invited Modi to Washington following his visit to Canada. Modi declined due to prior commitments but extended an invitation for Trump to attend the next QUAD summit in India—an offer Trump accepted.

The leaders also discussed broader global issues, including the Iran-Israel tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both agreed that direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv remain essential to ending the war.