Trump Alleges Five Jets Downed In India-Pakistan War, India Rejects Mediation Role

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that five fighter jets were downed during the recent hostilities between India and Pakistan, adding to his earlier assertion that US intervention played a role in halting the conflict.

Speaking at a private fundraiser, Trump said, “Planes were being shot out of the air, ive jets were shot down,” without specifying whether the losses were suffered by India, Pakistan, or both. His remarks have drawn renewed attention to the brief but intense exchange between the two countries earlier this year.

The confrontation escalated after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based operatives and launched retaliatory strikes across the Line of Control on 7 May. Pakistan responded with air and missile attacks. Both sides made conflicting claims about aerial losses and India acknowledged the loss of some aircraft but did not confirm figures, while Islamabad claimed multiple Indian jets were downed and denied its own losses.

A ceasefire was declared on 10 May. Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering the truce through the use of trade-related pressure on both nations. However, Indian officials have denied any foreign mediation, stating that the de-escalation followed direct military communication between New Delhi and Islamabad.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, acknowledged that Indian jets were lost in the early phase but insisted subsequent operations were effective. He also rejected exaggerated claims from both sides, stating that assessments were ongoing and no Rafale jets were among those lost.

The Indian government has not formally responded to Trump’s latest comments. However, opposition parties have used the remarks to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach, questioning whether India compromised sovereignty under external pressure.

While the ceasefire continues to hold, analysts caution that the situation remains volatile amid lingering distrust and domestic political pressures on both sides.