Trump endorses Pakistan's stance that five Indian aircraft were destroyed in Pakistan-India clash
U.S. President Donald
Trump has confirmed that five aircraft were shot down during
the recent military clash between India and Pakistan, acknowledging the aerial
exchanges while discussing his role in de-escalating tensions between the two
nations.
Speaking to Republican lawmakers at the White
House, Trump did not specify which side was responsible for shooting down the
planes, but he did confirm the incident, highlighting his efforts to mediate
and ease the standoff.
The conflict began in April 2025, following an attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 people were killed by unidentified assailants. India accused Pakistan of being behind the attack, though no conclusive evidence was presented. Pakistan strongly denied the allegations, offering full cooperation in an impartial investigation.
Read More PAF
credits No. 15 Squadron ‘Cobras’ with six IAF kills in major aerial battle
The U.S.
condemned the Pahalgam attack but refrained from backing India's accusations.
As tensions mounted, on May 7,
India launched military action against Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated, claiming
to have downed five Indian aircraft, including the advanced Rafale jets.
India, however, refused to confirm the loss of
its aircraft, and Pakistan’s assertion remained unverified until Trump's recent
acknowledgment.
The US president’s remarks effectively
confirm that at least some aircraft were downed during the conflict. U.S. media
also reported India’s claim of shooting down a Pakistani jet, which Pakistan
firmly denied, stating no aircraft were lost and criticizing India for not
presenting any credible evidence.
The intense fighting, which involved fighter
jets, drones, and artillery exchanges, caused significant casualties and damage
on both sides. Following the escalation, India
requested U.S. intervention, leading to a ceasefire brokered by Trump on May 10.
Trump disclosed that he had warned both countries that failure to de-escalate could result in a suspension of U.S. trade with them.
Read More China's
fighter jet performance in Pakistan-India clash being observed by world’s
militaries
During the ceasefire talks, Trump also
proposed mediating the long-standing Kashmir
dispute, offering to help find a solution "even if it takes a
thousand years." Pakistan welcomed his offer of mediation, while India
outright rejected any third-party involvement, including U.S. mediation, and
denied America’s role in securing the ceasefire.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement supporting Trump’s mediation offer, reiterating that the Kashmir issue remains a significant threat to both regional and international peace. In contrast, India continues to oppose third-party interventions in the dispute.
Source: Daily Ausaf