Trump Claims Five Jets Downed in India-Pakistan Air Clashes After Kashmir Attack
WASHINGTON — Former US President Donald Trump claimed that up to five fighter jets were shot down during the intense hostilities between India and Pakistan that erupted after an April attack in India-administered Kashmir. Speaking at a White House dinner with Republican lawmakers, Trump said the situation de-escalated after a ceasefire was reached in May.
“Planes were being shot out of the air. Four or five, I think five jets were shot down,” Trump stated without specifying which side lost the aircraft.
The conflict began after an April incident in Kashmir, which killed 26 people. India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, a claim Islamabad rejected while calling for a neutral investigation.
Pakistan said it had downed five Indian aircraft during air-to-air combat, while India’s military leadership later claimed their forces also shot down “a few Pakistani jets.” However, Islamabad denied losing any jets, though it acknowledged some of its airbases were targeted.
Fierce clashes followed, including the use of fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery, which reportedly killed dozens. A ceasefire was brokered on May 10, which Trump claimed credit for—stating it came after US diplomatic engagement with both countries.
While the Trump administration portrayed it as a diplomatic win, India disputed the claim, emphasizing that issues with Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally without external interference.
The confrontation highlighted the fragile peace between the nuclear-armed neighbors and the ever-sensitive nature of Kashmir in regional geopolitics. India continues to strengthen ties with the US in its strategic counter to China, while Pakistan remains a traditional US ally.