Trump Confirms Downing of Fighter Jets in India-Pakistan Conflict, Offers to Mediate Kashmir Dispute
U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that five fighter jets were shot down during a recent intense military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Speaking to Republican lawmakers at the White House, Trump did not specify which country was responsible for downing the aircraft but acknowledged the aerial losses while recounting his role in de-escalating the conflict.
The clash erupted following a deadly attack in April in the Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India promptly blamed Pakistan for the attack, despite lacking concrete evidence. Pakistan rejected the accusations and offered full cooperation in conducting an impartial investigation.
While the United States strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack, it stopped short of supporting India’s allegations. Tensions quickly escalated, and on May 7, India reportedly launched military action against Pakistan. In response, Pakistan retaliated and claimed it had successfully shot down five Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets.
India, however, has not confirmed the loss of any of its fighter jets, maintaining a strategic silence. Trump’s remarks now serve as an external validation that aircraft were indeed lost during the exchange.
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U.S. media also reported Indian claims of downing Pakistani jets—claims that Pakistan categorically denied, stating no Pakistani aircraft were hit and that India failed to provide credible evidence.
The confrontation involved fighter jets, drones, and heavy artillery, leading to considerable destruction on both sides. Eventually, India requested U.S. mediation, prompting Trump to broker a ceasefire on May 10.
According to Trump, he warned both India and Pakistan that continued escalation would lead to the suspension of trade with the United States.
As part of his diplomatic push, Trump offered to mediate the longstanding Kashmir dispute, stating, “I will work with both of you to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, even if it takes a thousand years.” Pakistan welcomed the mediation offer, while India rejected both the proposal and the U.S. role in ending the conflict.
The Pakistani Foreign Office issued a statement endorsing Trump’s mediation efforts and highlighted the Kashmir conflict as a persistent threat to regional and global peace. India, however, reiterated its stance against third-party involvement in Kashmir-related matters.
