Former US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy after claiming that five fighter jets were shot down during the India-Pakistan military clashes in May 2025. Speaking at a Republican gathering, Trump said, “Planes were being shot out of there. I think five jets were shot down, actually. These are two serious nuclear countries, and they were hitting each other.”
Trump also asserted that the US played a key role in de-escalating the conflict, stating that trade inducements were used to pressure both countries into agreeing to a ceasefire. “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,” he said.
The Indian government has not officially confirmed the number of aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor, the limited conflict that erupted between India and Pakistan following a cross-border terror attack. However, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan had earlier acknowledged tactical setbacks. “What is important is not the jet being down, but why they were being downed,” he said in May.
Further indirect confirmation came in June when India’s defence attaché to Indonesia mentioned that aircraft losses occurred during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, citing restrictions from political leadership on targeting only terrorist infrastructure.
Trump’s remarks have triggered political backlash in India. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi posted a video of Trump’s speech on X, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Mr. Modi, what is the truth about the 5 fighter jets? The nation has the right to know,” he wrote.
The Congress party has demanded a special parliamentary session for a “comprehensive strategic review,” accusing the government of opacity regarding military losses.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has rejected Trump’s narrative, stating that Prime Minister Modi clearly conveyed to the former US President in June that no trade deal discussions or proposals for US mediation took place during or after the conflict.
The controversy emerges just ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 21, where opposition parties are expected to press the government for clarity on Operation Sindoor and India’s military preparedness.
