WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD – Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that five fighter jets were shot down during the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year, stirring fresh debate over the scale and details of the hostilities.
Speaking at a political event on Thursday, Trump remarked, “I think five jets were shot down, actually. Four or five. That was a big problem. That could have been a disaster. And we stopped it.” His statement referred to the May 2025 conflict that saw a series of aerial engagements between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, prompting global concern over regional stability.
Trump’s remarks, however, did not clarify which side lost the aircraft or the exact circumstances of the reported downings. The statement has drawn significant attention due to the absence of any prior official confirmation from Washington on the number of aircraft lost during the skirmishes.
Conflicting Claims from India and Pakistan
Pakistan has previously claimed it shot down five Indian jets, including advanced Rafale fighters, during what it described as a defensive response to Indian incursions into its airspace. Later, Pakistani officials suggested the number could be as high as six.
India, on the other hand, acknowledged the loss of aircraft but has remained vague on the details. In a press briefing on May 31, Indian Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan admitted to “some losses” during Operation Sindoor but did not disclose the number or type of aircraft involved.
Independent military analysts and open-source intelligence assessments have indicated that at least four Indian aircraft may have been downed, with visual evidence and satellite imagery supporting some of the claims made by Islamabad.
Political Reactions and Global Context
Trump’s comments have sparked political criticism in India, with opposition parties questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic handling of the crisis. India’s Congress Party accused the government of compromising national security and dignity, suggesting that the United States had used trade pressure to defuse tensions.
The Indian government has not officially responded to Trump’s latest remarks. However, the Ministry of External Affairs previously denied that the US played any mediatory role in the ceasefire, which was reached on May 10, 2025, after over a week of heightened military activity.
Diplomatic Silence from Washington
Despite Trump’s bold claims, the current Biden administration has maintained a cautious stance. The US State Department has not confirmed the number of aircraft lost in the conflict and continues to urge both India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and exercise restraint.
The May 2025 conflict marked the most serious escalation between the two countries since the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot standoff. With both nations maintaining substantial air and ground forces along the Line of Control (LoC), the region remains on high alert.
Conclusion
While Trump’s claim of five downed jets echoes figures circulated in the media and by Pakistani officials, the absence of official confirmation from either side leaves the true toll of the conflict uncertain. His statement, nevertheless, has reopened scrutiny over the events of May 2025 and the roles played by global powers in de-escalating South Asia’s latest military flashpoint
