US President Donald Trump, after a phone call with Indian PM Narendra Modi, stated that a trade deal between India and the United States was in the works.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said, “I think Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night. We’re going to make a trade deal with Modi of India.”
Meeting at G7 called off, leaders speak over call
Prime Minister Modi and President Trump were scheduled to hold a meeting on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
However, Trump returned to Washington on Monday night, cutting short his participation. Instead, both leaders held a phone conversation on Tuesday.
India rejects mediation claims
During the call, PM Modi dismissed any suggestion of US mediation in recent tensions with Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement clarifying that no discussions regarding an India-US trade deal or any proposal for US mediation occurred at any level.
“Prime Minister Modi clearly conveyed to President Trump that at no point during this entire sequence of events was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US Trade Deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan,” the MEA stated.
India maintains communication with Pakistan through military channels
The MEA further clarified that India and Pakistan communicated directly through existing military channels.
Pakistan initiated the discussion to cease military action directly with India through the existing communication channels between the two armed forces, the statement added.
PM Modi reiterated that India does not accept mediation in its bilateral matters. “There is complete political consensus in India on this matter,” the ministry noted.
President Trump Praises Role of Indian and Pakistani Leaders
During a separate interaction with the press at the White House, Trump avoided commenting on his upcoming diplomatic expectations from Pakistan’s military chief, General Asim Munir.
However, he acknowledged Munir’s influence in de-escalating tensions, stating, “This man was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side, Modi from the India side, and others.”
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