WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump confirmed that Pakistan shot down five Indian fighter jets during Indian aggression against Pakistan after a false flag Pahalgam attack in Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The situation calmed after a ceasefire in May.
Trump’s remarks exposed Indian hypocrisy, as they are hiding their losses. Although India admits losing fighter jets in clashes with Pakistan, it refuses to disclose the exact number.
Trump made the remarks during a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House. He did not clarify which side lost the jets.
“In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually,” Trump said. He did not offer more details.
Pakistan claimed it had downed five Indian jets in air-to-air combat. India’s top general said in May that India changed its strategy after early losses. He claimed India gained an edge before the ceasefire three days later.
India also said it downed “a few” Pakistani jets. Pakistan denied losing any aircraft but admitted damage to its air bases.
Trump claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire on May 10. He said U.S. talks with both sides led to the agreement. India rejected Trump’s claim. It insisted there was no outside involvement.
India has long maintained that it will resolve disputes with Pakistan directly. It opposes third-party mediation.
The U.S. views India as a key partner to counter China in Asia. Pakistan also remains a U.S. ally.
The April attack killed 26 people. India blamed Pakistan for the assault. Pakistan denied involvement and called for an independent investigation.
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On May 7, Indian jets bombed targets across the border. Pakistan responded with airstrikes, missiles, drones, and artillery. The fighting killed dozens before both countries agreed to a ceasefire.
