Trump says seven jets were downed during Pakistan-India war in May
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated his role in brokering a truce between Pakistan and India following their military clash in May, claiming that seven jets were downed during the conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Trump recalled how he used a trade deal as leverage to deter the two nuclear-armed nations from further escalation.
“The war with India and Pakistan was the next level that was going to be a nuclear war… They already shot down 7 jets – that was raging,” Trump said.
He added that he had warned both countries that the United States would halt trade if they continued hostilities. “They said, ‘Well, there’s no more war going on,’” he claimed.
Pakistan’s stance vs India’s denial
Trump did not specify which side’s aircraft were downed, but his remarks appeared to support Pakistan’s claim of shooting down multiple Indian jets during the May clashes.
Pakistan has previously stated it downed as many as six Indian aircraft, including Rafale fighters. India, however, has not confirmed losing jets and has instead claimed—without evidence—that it shot down Pakistani aircraft, a statement largely dismissed even within Indian media.
May escalation
On May 7, tensions escalated when India launched military aggression against Pakistan. Islamabad retaliated with force, downing five Indian aircraft and engaging targets across the border.
A brief but intense conflict followed, involving drones, fighter jets and artillery fire. By May 10, both sides agreed to a ceasefire after Washington intervened.
Trump has since claimed credit for the de-escalation, insisting that his ultimatum to suspend trade forced both sides to step back.
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