AdSense Advertisement

Trump says 10 aircraft downed in India–Pakistan conflict, targets New Delhi again despite trade deal

By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON -US President Donald Trump has said that up to 10 aircraft were shot down during the May 2025 military confrontation between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan -- a statement that appears to target New Delhi despite a recent trade deal, as only Indian fighter jets were downed in last year's conflict, with Pakistan reporting no losses.

Speaking in an interview with Fox Business aired Wednesday, Trump suggested that economic pressure helped prevent a wider war between the two South Asian nations.

“Like India and Pakistan -- it would’ve been a nuclear war in my opinion. They were really going at it. Ten planes were shot down,” he said, while highlighting his administration’s use of tariffs as leverage to defuse international conflicts.

Trump also quoted Pakistan’s prime minister as telling him that his intervention “saved at least 10 million lives” by helping bring hostilities to an end, adding that the crisis could have escalated without US pressure.

The president has repeatedly referenced aerial losses in the conflict over recent months, gradually increasing the number from five to seven and then eight, before now putting the figure at 10.

Analysts viewed President Trump repeatedly referencing the downing of aircraft as an attempt to embarrass Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly when discussing the May conflict -- a confrontation India lost to Pakistan, which Islamabad hailed as a "big victory" against India.

The May 2025 conflict marked one of the most serious escalations between India and Pakistan in years, sparked by a deadly attack in the disputed Kashmir region that triggered retaliatory strikes and cross-border military action.

Both sides exchanged missiles, drones, and air attacks, raising global alarm over the risk of a broader war between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

In the brief conflict, Pakistan defeated India and destroyed several of its airbases, advanced fighter jets, including Rafales, its air defense system, and the BrahMos missile factory.

However, intense diplomatic engagement by major powers, including the United States, helped push the two countries toward de-escalation after several days of fighting.

Trump says 10 aircraft downed in India–Pakistan conflict, targets New Delhi again despite trade deal

Tags

Comment / Reply From

You May Also Like

India tightens social media controls and faces scrutiny over freedom of expression and minority rights

Fresh violence erupts in India’s Manipur as protests turn armed, fighters claim ‘victory’ over security forces

Bangladesh reports fatal Nipah virus case weeks after first detection in India

Trump announces trade deal with India, says Modi agreed to halt Russian oil imports

Pakistan says ‘undeniable evidence’ of Indian involvement in Balochistan attacks

India Premier Modi’s Name Surfaces in Epstein Files, Took Advice Ahead of Israel Visit: Says Congress

Massive Avalanche Hits Sonamarg in Kashmir, No Casualties Reported

India: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Killed in Charter Plane Crash Near Baramati

Recent News

Recommended

Archive

Popular Posts

Over 95% of Pakist...

Muslims from abroa...

Pakistan as Respon...

Categories

Trump says 10 aircraft downed in India–Pakistan conflict, targets New Delhi again despite trade deal

Tags

Comment / Reply From

You May Also Like

Recent News

Recommended

Archive

Stay Connected

Popular Posts

Categories