US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that up to five fighter jets were shot down during the military confrontation between India and Pakistan earlier this year. The tensions flared after a militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, leading to intense aerial combat between the two nations. Trump made these remarks during a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House, recalling that the conflict only subsided after a ceasefire was agreed upon in May.
Pakistan’s Claims vs. India’s Response
Pakistan asserted that its forces had downed six Indian aircraft in air-to-air engagements. Meanwhile, India’s top military official acknowledged that the country suffered initial losses in the air battles, forcing a tactical shift before gaining an upper hand. The hostilities lasted for several days before both sides agreed to a truce. Trump has frequently taken credit for the ceasefire, which he announced on social media on May 10 following discussions with both nations.
India Rejects Trump’s Mediation Claims
However, India has disputed Trump’s assertion that his intervention played a decisive role in ending the conflict. New Delhi maintains that any resolution must come through direct talks with Islamabad, without external involvement. The April attack in IIOJK, which killed 26, had led to a swift and violent exchange, including Indian airstrikes on Pakistani territory, followed by retaliatory strikes from Pakistan.
Escalation and Aftermath
The clashes saw the use of fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, resulting in dozens of casualties before the ceasefire took effect. While Trump framed the de-escalation as a diplomatic victory, India and Pakistan continue to navigate their strained relations independently. The incident remains a stark reminder of the volatile dynamics between the two nuclear powers.