US President Donald Trump recently stated that five jets were shot down during the Pak-India war in May 2025, a claim made during a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House. He did not specify whether the jets belonged to India, Pakistan, or both, nor did he provide evidence to support the statement. This remark has stirred attention, given the tense history of India-Pakistan relations, particularly following the April 2025 attack in India-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people and triggered a four-day military escalation.
The Pak-India war began when India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas, in response to the Kashmir attack. Pakistan denied involvement in the initial incident and retaliated, with both sides engaging in air strikes, drone attacks, and missile exchanges. Pakistan’s military claimed it downed five Indian jets, including advanced Rafale aircraft, while India reported losses but did not confirm numbers, stating it also struck Pakistani targets. The conflict, which raised fears of nuclear escalation, ended with a ceasefire on May 10.
Trump has repeatedly credited his administration with brokering the ceasefire, citing trade leverage as a key factor in de-escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. However, India has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that the ceasefire was achieved through direct military talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, without US mediation. Pakistan, meanwhile, acknowledged US involvement in facilitating dialogue, with posts on X reflecting sentiment that credits Washington’s role alongside Pakistan’s military response.
The lack of official confirmation regarding the downed jets has fueled speculation. Indian officials have emphasized tactical adjustments after initial setbacks, while Pakistan denies losing any aircraft but admits to damage at three air bases. Social media discussions on X highlight polarized views, with some users supporting Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian jets, while others question the accuracy of such reports, pointing to unverified sources.
This episode underscores the fragile dynamics of the Pak-India war and the broader Kashmir conflict, with both nations maintaining their claims over the disputed territory. The ceasefire, while holding, has not resolved underlying tensions, as both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. For Southasiandesk.com readers, this development highlights the need for verified information amid conflicting narratives in a region marked by decades of rivalry.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 19th, 2025
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