Did Trump Really Claim 'Five Jets Were Shot Down' in India-Pakistan Clash After Pahalgam Attack?
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Synopsis
In a controversial statement, President Trump claims 'five jets were shot down' amid the India-Pakistan military conflict triggered by the Pahalgam attack. This assertion raises questions about the accuracy of events surrounding the escalation and the role of external influence in the crisis resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Trump's claim of five jets downed lacks evidence.
- Operation Sindoor targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan.
- India insists on bilateral crisis management.
- No Indian fighter jets were lost during the conflict.
- US involvement in de-escalation remains disputed.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has ignited debate with a shocking assertion that “five jets were shot down” during the recent military skirmish between India and Pakistan, which was spurred by the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, resulting in 26 fatalities. Following this incident, India initiated 'Operation Sindoor' aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
During a private gathering with Republican lawmakers at the White House on Friday, President Trump's comments rekindled discussions about the significant four-day military escalation between the two nuclear-armed nations in early May.
“In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually,” he remarked, alluding to the brief yet intense military engagement between India and Pakistan. Nevertheless, the US President did not specify the nationality of the aircraft that were purportedly downed, nor did he provide any substantiation for his claim.
Trump also asserted that the United States contributed to easing tensions through economic pressure.
“We stopped a lot of wars. And these were serious, India and Pakistan, that was going on. These are two serious Nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other,” he stated.
“You know, it seems like a new form of warfare. You saw it recently when you looked at what we did in Iran, where we knocked out their Nuclear capability… But India and Pakistan were going at it, and it was getting bigger and bigger, and we got it solved through trade. We said, 'you guys want to make a trade deal. We're not making a trade deal if you're going to be throwing around weapons, and maybe nuclear weapons', both very powerful nuclear states.”
President Trump's remarks have been met with skepticism in India, where officials maintain that no external power, including the US, acted as a mediator to resolve the crisis.
Indian representatives reiterated that New Delhi and Islamabad worked to address the situation bilaterally and dismissed the idea that trade pressure from Washington played a crucial role.
India's military response, dubbed Operation Sindoor, commenced on the night of May 7. The Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, collaboratively executed a series of strikes aimed at terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control and deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
This operation followed the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, including those of tourists.
Despite the severity of the military exchange, India has asserted that none of its fighter jets were lost during the conflict.
On May 11, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti publicly confirmed that all Indian pilots involved in the operation returned safely.
Indian authorities remain steadfast in their position that the crisis was navigated without external mediation and that Trump's account does not align with the actual events.
Point of View
We uphold a commitment to factual reporting. The crisis between India and Pakistan is complex and requires careful consideration of the facts. Trump's claims, while provocative, do not align with the accounts provided by Indian officials, who assert that the situation was managed bilaterally without foreign intervention. We continue to advocate for responsible journalism that respects the intricacies of international relations.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump claim about the India-Pakistan conflict?
Trump claimed that 'five jets were shot down' during the military exchange between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, although he did not provide evidence or specify the nationality of the aircraft.
What was 'Operation Sindoor'?
'Operation Sindoor' was India's military operation launched to target terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 deaths.
How did Indian officials respond to Trump's claims?
Indian officials have expressed skepticism towards Trump's claims, insisting that the crisis was managed bilaterally without any mediation from external powers, including the US.
What was the outcome of the military skirmish?
Despite the intensity of the military exchange, India maintains that none of its aircraft were lost, and all pilots involved in 'Operation Sindoor' returned safely.
What impact did the Pahalgam attack have on India-Pakistan relations?
The Pahalgam attack intensified hostilities between India and Pakistan, leading to a significant military escalation and the launch of 'Operation Sindoor' by India.
