The call, placed at President Trump’s request, comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following a major terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam region on April 22. Expressing condolences, Trump reiterated America’s support for India’s fight against terrorism — a sentiment welcomed by New Delhi as India continues its military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi provided a detailed account of India’s calibrated strikes on Pakistani terror camps and military positions conducted on the nights of May 6–7 and May 9–10. These operations, Modi emphasized, were “measured, precise, and non-escalatory”, yet effective enough to force Pakistan to request a cessation of hostilities.

Crucially, Modi made it clear that India regards this conflict not as a proxy war, but as a full-fledged confrontation against a terrorism-exporting state. “India does not and will never accept mediation,” he told President Trump, firmly dismissing any suggestion of third-party involvement or backdoor diplomacy — a position reflecting strong national consensus within India.

Trump reportedly inquired whether Modi could visit the U.S. on his way back from Canada, but scheduling constraints made such a stop unfeasible. However, both leaders agreed to reschedule a bilateral meeting soon.

The call also touched upon pressing global flashpoints, notably the Iran-Israel standoff. Modi and Trump shared serious concerns over Tehran’s destabilizing activities in the region. The leaders also reviewed developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, advocating for diplomacy but with clarity on red lines.

Turning toward the Indo-Pacific, Modi reiterated India’s strong commitment to the QUAD alliance, inviting Trump to visit India for the next QUAD Summit. Trump welcomed the invitation, reaffirming the importance of U.S.-India partnership in maintaining regional balance and confronting shared security challenges.

This conversation marked the first formal engagement between the two leaders following the terror attacks, and it signals a growing alignment between New Delhi and Washington on counter-terrorism, strategic deterrence, and geopolitical stability.

Their discussion, held just hours after Gabbard’s meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, centered on India-U.S. security cooperation and concerns over anti-India activities by the banned Khalistani outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) operating on American soil.

Strengthening India-U.S. Security Cooperation

Taking to social media, PM Modi expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, emphasizing the shared commitment of both nations to counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cybersecurity.

“Glad to welcome @TulsiGabbard to India. Exchanged views on further advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both countries are committed to combating terrorism and enhancing maritime and cybersecurity cooperation,” PM Modi posted on X.

Gabbard’s Visit and Strategic Discussions

Gabbard arrived in Delhi early Sunday for a two-and-a-half-day visit as part of a multinational tour. Her itinerary has included high-level talks with Indian officials on intelligence collaboration, defense relations, and cybersecurity.

Her visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Washington in February, where he met with Gabbard and recognized her as a strong advocate for India-U.S. relations.

As part of her engagements, Gabbard participated in key security discussions with intelligence and defense officials from 20 countries at a conclave chaired by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

The event, organized by the National Security Council Secretariat, has been held alongside the Raisina Dialogue since 2022, fostering global cooperation on security challenges.

A Strengthening Alliance

This marks Gabbard’s second international visit since assuming office, following her participation in the Munich Security Conference in Germany. Her visit to India underscores the deepening India-U.S. partnership, particularly in counter-terrorism, defense collaboration, and strategic security interests.

With President Trump’s second term underway, both nations are poised to strengthen their cooperation further, reinforcing their shared vision for global stability and security.