US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that up to five jets were shot down during the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan. These tensions escalated following an Islamist militant attack in India-administered Kashmir in April. Fortunately, the situation calmed after both sides reached a ceasefire in May.
Trump made these comments during a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House. However, he did not clarify which side’s jets he was referencing. “In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually,” Trump said. He did not provide further details or elaboration on his statement.
Conflicting Claims from India and Pakistan
Pakistan claimed it downed five Indian planes during air-to-air combat. In late May, India’s highest-ranking general stated that India changed its tactics after suffering losses on the first day of hostilities. This strategic shift allowed India to establish an advantage before reaching the ceasefire three days later.
India also claimed it downed “a few planes” belonging to Pakistan. However, Islamabad denied any losses of aircraft but acknowledged that its air bases sustained hits during the conflict.
Trump has repeatedly taken credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which he announced on social media on 10 May. This announcement followed talks held by Washington with both nations. However, India has disputed Trump’s claims, asserting that the ceasefire resulted from direct negotiations rather than external intervention or threats to sever trade talks.
India’s Stance on Conflict Resolution
India maintained that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their issues directly, without outside involvement. As an increasingly important US partner, India plays a crucial role in Washington’s efforts to counter China’s influence in Asia, with Pakistan also a US ally.
The April attack in India-administered Kashmir resulted in the deaths of 26 men and ignited heavy fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors. This incident marked the latest escalation in a decades-old rivalry. New Delhi attributed the attack to Pakistan, which denied responsibility and called for a neutral investigation.
Washington condemned the attack but refrained from directly blaming Islamabad. On 7 May, Indian jets bombed sites across the border, which New Delhi described as “terrorist infrastructure.” This action triggered a series of attacks involving fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, resulting in numerous casualties until the neighbouring countries reached a ceasefire.
