During recent high-level discussions with US Vice President JD Vance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a firm and unambiguous stance regarding India’s national security posture amid rising tensions with Pakistan. According to government sources, Modi conveyed to Vance that India would not hesitate to respond with overwhelming force if Pakistan initiated any aggression.
“Vance called and spoke to Modi about an off-ramp. The PM told him clearly—if they attack, we will retaliate more strongly,” a senior official told , underscoring India’s zero-tolerance approach to cross-border threats.
The conversation between Modi and Vance reportedly came after Washington received sensitive intelligence indicating a high probability of dramatic escalation in the region. Though the intelligence details were classified, they triggered immediate outreach from the highest levels of the US administration. In parallel, Vance spoke to Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and later to India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified to Jaishankar that Vance’s call was not aimed at discussing any de-escalation “off-ramp” proposal.
India, meanwhile, communicated a clear and restrained message: if Pakistan refrains from aggression, India too will exercise restraint. But if provoked, the response will be decisive. The core of India’s position remains unchanged—any dialogue with Pakistan will focus solely on the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the vacating of illegally held territories, and the extradition of wanted terrorists.
Despite speculation, there were no talks held at the National Security Advisor (NSA) or Foreign Minister levels. Instead, communications between the two nations occurred through the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs)—a channel often used for managing military engagements and confidence-building during crises.
Sources also addressed the sequence of events surrounding the de-escalation announcement. Although US President Donald Trump claimed credit for facilitating the ceasefire, India was categorical in stating that the decision to de-escalate stemmed from bilateral military-level discussions and was not the result of any third-party mediation.
Officials noted that while India remained in contact with the US and shared intelligence on its plans to strike terrorist camps in PoK, the ultimate decision to de-escalate was coordinated between India and Pakistan. One key point of contact was while PM Modi was in Saudi Arabia, followed by regular communication with the US, especially around the UN Security Council statement, which the US had sponsored.
“It was made clear to Rubio on May 1 that we would strike terror targets in Palatial. Both sides (India and Pakistan) were preparing to make announcements. The Americans may have gotten advance wind of it,” sources said.
Ultimately, the ceasefire was announced on Saturday, marking a temporary easing of hostilities after days of heightened tensions. While Pakistan welcomed US involvement, India remains adamant that the discussions were bilateral and that the core issue—PoK—remains unresolved.
