Modi Rejects US Role in Sindoor: Operation, Declines Trump’s Invite Amid India-US Tensions #1

By Shubhajit Roy | Updated: June 19, 2025 | New Delhi

US Role in Sindoor, In a strong and unequivocal diplomatic message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly denied any US role in Sindoor, the military operation India launched following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. This clarification came during a significant 35-minute phone call between Modi and former US President Donald Trump, where both leaders also discussed bilateral ties, regional security, and ongoing global conflicts.

Despite Trump’s repeated assertions about having brokered a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan, Modi categorically stated that at no stage was there any proposal for US mediation in the India-Pakistan standoff. He also made it clear that there was never any discussion regarding a trade deal between India and the United States during the period surrounding Operation Sindoor.

Modi Firm on India’s Stance: No Mediation Accepted (US Role in Sindoor)

During their detailed phone call, Modi underscored India’s long-held position that it does not, and will never, accept foreign mediation on issues related to its sovereignty and security—particularly on matters involving Pakistan. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Prime Minister emphasized that the ceasefire decision was reached solely through “existing channels of communication between the two armed forces,” with no US role in Sindoor or in facilitating talks between the two South Asian nuclear powers.

Misri quoted Modi as saying, “There was complete political consensus in India that military actions were necessary and justified. The ceasefire talks were initiated at Pakistan’s request, and India responded proportionately and in a non-escalatory manner.” These remarks served as a diplomatic rebuttal to Trump’s narrative of playing a peacemaker between India and Pakistan.

Trump’s Claims Rebuffed (US Role in Sindoor)

Despite Modi’s denial, Trump once again claimed he had “stopped the war” between India and Pakistan. Speaking after a meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House, Trump stated, “They were going at it. These are two nuclear powers. I stopped the war. I love Pakistan. Modi is a fantastic man. We’re going to make a trade deal.” His repeated reference to a US role in Sindoor directly contradicted Modi’s account and sparked renewed debate about Washington’s involvement—or lack thereof—in the crisis.

While Trump continued to frame his involvement as decisive, Modi made it clear that India’s military response in Operation Sindoor was self-contained, strategic, and necessary in the wake of terrorism, not influenced or moderated by any foreign government.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Response to Terrorism (US Role in Sindoor)

The genesis of Operation Sindoor lies in the terror attack at Pahalgam on April 22, which left several Indian security personnel dead. According to Misri, Modi shared comprehensive details of the operation with Trump, reiterating that India would no longer treat terrorism as a proxy war but as direct warfare.

“India had only targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” Misri noted. “The operation was precise, calibrated, and entirely non-escalatory. India also conveyed in advance that any retaliatory aggression from Pakistan would be met with a stronger response.”

On the night of May 6-7, the Indian Armed Forces launched precision strikes on multiple terrorist camps, effectively neutralizing major hideouts. According to Indian authorities, the offensive significantly debilitated Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. The question of a US role in Sindoor was absent entirely from these strategic military decisions, reinforcing Modi’s assertion of India’s autonomy in handling its security threats.

Pre-Emptive Warning and a Strong Response (US Role in Sindoor)

Further escalating the clarity on the matter, Misri mentioned that US Vice President JD Vance had warned India on May 9 about an imminent Pakistani attack. Modi responded by stating that any such action would be met with a resolute counterstrike. When Pakistan launched its anticipated offensive on the night of May 9-10, India struck back forcefully, rendering several Pakistani air bases non-functional.

This show of strength led to Pakistan requesting a ceasefire. Again, there was no US role in Sindoor or in the communication between the two sides during or after the hostilities. “India’s decisive response compelled Pakistan to seek a cessation of operations,” Misri affirmed.

Trump’s Narrative vs Modi’s Reality (US Role in Sindoor)

The contrasting narratives between Modi and Trump have ignited international discourse. While Trump insists he played a crucial part in de-escalating the conflict, Modi’s position is unwavering—there was absolutely no US role in Sindoor or in the cessation of hostilities.

By reasserting India’s independent military strategy and decision-making, Modi has effectively called out Trump’s claims. This rebuttal came at a time when Trump invited Modi to stop over in the US after attending the G7 Summit in Canada. Modi declined the invitation, citing prior commitments and proceeding with his three-nation tour, with Croatia being his next stop. US Role in Sindoor

Sources within the Ministry of External Affairs suggest that Modi’s refusal was also influenced by Trump hosting Pakistan’s Army Chief Munir on the same day. The optics of attending a meeting where both the Indian Prime Minister and Pakistan’s military head were present could have sent mixed signals, particularly when India was refuting any US role in Sindoor.

Terrorism: India’s Red Line (US Role in Sindoor)

Modi, in his conversation with Trump, emphasized India’s stance on terrorism. “There’s no longer a distinction between proxy war and direct war. Terrorism is war,” he said. India’s launch of Operation Sindoor was a reflection of this revised doctrine. For India, the attack at Pahalgam marked a red line, and the military response was both immediate and precise.

The Prime Minister’s clarity on the lack of a US role in Sindoor was part of a broader message—India’s security and defense operations are its own prerogative, and any attempts to misrepresent this autonomy are not acceptable.

Broader Strategic Discussions (US Role in Sindoor)

Beyond the Sindoor issue, the two leaders also discussed other pressing international matters. Modi and Trump touched upon the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, with both expressing concern over the escalation. They also agreed that direct dialogue remains the most effective route toward peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On the Indo-Pacific front, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the Quad alliance. With increasing concerns over China’s assertiveness in the region, the role of the Quad—India, US, Japan, and Australia—was seen as pivotal. The US role in Sindoor may have cast a shadow on Indo-US defense ties, but both leaders seemed willing to keep lines of communication open.

India’s Independent Stand: Rebuff to Global Mediation (US Role in Sindoor)

India’s response to Trump’s claims signals a deeper assertion of its strategic autonomy. While the US remains a key strategic partner, Modi’s firm denial of any US role in Sindoor illustrates that India will not compromise its sovereignty or be party to misrepresented foreign narratives.

In recent history, the US has occasionally sought to mediate in South Asian affairs—particularly during crises between India and Pakistan. However, India has consistently rejected third-party interference. The Sindoor operation is now the latest example where India has drawn a clear line against any external mediation.

Looking Forward: A Diplomatic Balance (US Role in Sindoor)

Despite the differences over the US role in Sindoor, Modi extended an invitation to Trump to attend the next Quad Summit in India. Trump accepted, signaling that both leaders are still invested in maintaining strong bilateral ties, albeit with mutual respect for each other’s positions.

Foreign Secretary Misri concluded by saying that Trump expressed support for India’s fight against terrorism and acknowledged Modi’s leadership during the crisis.

Conclusion: India Speaks, the World Listens (US Role in Sindoor)

The diplomatic developments over the US role in Sindoor highlight India’s assertive global posture. Modi’s categorical denial of American mediation, rejection of any trade deal links, and refusal to alter India’s anti-terror doctrine showcase a confident, self-reliant India.

By taking the narrative into its own hands, India has sent a strong message—not just to the US, but to the international community—that its military and foreign policies are sovereign and non-negotiable. US Role in Sindoor

Trump’s continued assertions about his influence in stopping a nuclear conflict might serve political interests in the West, but India’s firm and factual dismissal of a US role in Sindoor re-establishes truth in a world grappling with misinformation and diplomacy theater.