Trump Claims “Five Jets Were Shot Down” Amidst India-Pakistan Conflict; India, France Dismiss Allegations
During a private dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a controversial claim, stating that “five jets were shot down” in the recent India-Pakistan military exchange following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, which killed 26 people, prompted India to launch retaliatory strikes under “Operation Sindoor” in early May.
Trump did not clarify which country’s aircraft were downed, but referenced the exchange as an example of escalating tensions between two nuclear nations. His remarks revived speculation surrounding losses from both sides during the four-day conflict.
Pakistan has claimed it downed Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, but has provided no evidence. India has denied these claims and affirmed that no Rafale jets were lost, nor were any pilots captured.
Indian Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan acknowledged some losses on the Indian side but emphasized the success of precision strikes deep into Pakistani territory, highlighting India’s evolving military strategy.
Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier also dismissed Pakistan’s claims as “factually incorrect.”
India continues to maintain that the ceasefire, declared on May 10, was achieved bilaterally without foreign mediation—contradicting Trump’s assertion that U.S. trade pressure led to de-escalation.
Operation Sindoor concluded on May 11, with Indian officials confirming all pilots returned safely. India asserts that it targeted only terror infrastructure and military assets, not civilian areas.
