Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined a White House meeting with US President Donald Trump in June due to concerns about a potential encounter with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to a Bloomberg report.

Sources in New Delhi cited by Bloomberg suggest Modi feared Trump might orchestrate a meeting between him and COAS Munir if both were present at the White House. While India was comfortable with Trump meeting Pakistan’s civilian leadership, a meeting with COAS Munir was seen as detrimental to India’s narrative.

This incident followed a May ceasefire between India and Pakistan after a four-day conflict. Tensions escalated after Trump repeatedly claimed credit for preventing a nuclear war, a claim India vehemently rejected, asserting the ceasefire was a direct agreement between the two nations. A subsequent phone call between Modi and Trump further strained relations, with Modi emphasizing that India had never sought mediation.

Learning of a planned White House lunch for COAS Munir, Modi declined a Washington stop on his return from Canada, opting instead for a visit to Croatia. The report adds this incident severely damaged US-India relations, leading to public criticism from Trump, threats of a 50% tariff on Indian exports (which were subsequently imposed), and a complete cessation of communication between Modi and Trump since their June phone call.

The report also notes COAS Munir’s second US visit in under two months, this time to attend a retirement ceremony. His previous June visit included a meeting with Trump at the White House, where they discussed the ceasefire and various areas of potential cooperation.