United States President Donald Trump has reignited debate over the recent India-Pakistan conflict by claiming that up to five fighter jets were shot down during the hostilities. Trump made the remarks at a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House, stating, “In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually.” However, he did not specify which side’s jets he was referring to.
The conflict between India and Pakistan escalated after an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir killed 26 people, prompting Indian jets to bomb sites across the border described as “terrorist infrastructure.” This led to an exchange of attacks between the two countries, resulting in dozens of deaths until a ceasefire was reached on May 10. Pakistan claimed to have downed five Indian planes in air-to-air combat, while India acknowledged suffering losses in the air but denied losing six planes.
India’s highest-ranking general, Anil Chauhan, confirmed that India experienced losses in the air but emphasized that the focus should be on understanding the causes and rectifying the errors. “What matters is not just the number of jets downed, but the reasons behind those losses and the lessons learned,” he said. Pakistan, on the other hand, claimed to have downed multiple Indian jets, including three Rafale fighters, which Dassault Aviation, the French manufacturer, has disputed.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, stating that his administration’s intervention brought the fighting to an end. He reportedly told both countries that the US would not proceed with any trade deals if they continued military aggression or threatened nuclear conflict. However, India has contradicted Trump’s claims, stating that the ceasefire resulted from bilateral talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, with no outside involvement.
The White House has maintained that no Trump visit is scheduled to Pakistan “at this time,” despite local reports suggesting otherwise. The conflict has highlighted the complex relationship between the US, India, and Pakistan, with both India and Pakistan being important US partners in the region.
The international community has been closely watching the developments in the region, given the nuclear capabilities of both India and Pakistan. The conflict has sparked concerns about the potential for escalation and the humanitarian impact on the region. As the situation continues to unfold, the roles of key players, including the US, will be crucial in determining the outcome.