Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has strongly criticized former US President Donald Trump's repeated assertions regarding his role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during the Operation Sindoor conflict in May 2025. Kharge characterized Trump's claims as "humiliating" for India and demanded a clarification from the government on the matter.

The controversy stems from Trump's remarks at a Republican event where he claimed that five fighter jets were shot down during military engagements between India and Pakistan. He further stated that the United States played a crucial role in reducing tensions, suggesting that trade incentives were used to persuade both nations to agree to a ceasefire. Trump has allegedly made this claim 24 times in 70 days.

Kharge raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the terrorists responsible for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam have not been caught or neutralized. He said that all parties had extended unconditional support to the government and that the government should clarify its stand on Trump's statement.

The Indian government has not officially disclosed the number of jets lost during Operation Sindoor. However, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan had previously acknowledged operational setbacks. Indirect confirmation also surfaced in June when India's defence attaché to Indonesia indicated that aircraft losses occurred during the early stages of Operation Sindoor, attributing this to political directives to target only terrorist infrastructure.

Trump's claims have sparked a political firestorm in India, with the opposition INDIA bloc cornering the Modi-led government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also demanded that Prime Minister Modi clarify the truth behind the "five jets" mentioned by Trump. The Congress party has questioned the government's silence and demanded a statement in Parliament. In response, the BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of having a "traitor's mentality" and speaking on behalf of Pakistan.

Union Minister JP Nadda responded to Kharge by stating that the Central government is ready for a discussion on Operation Sindoor. However, the House was adjourned amid the uproar. The opposition has submitted adjournment notices to discuss the terror attack in Pahalgam and Operation Sindoor. They are pressing for a two-day debate on the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, alleged security lapses, and foreign policy.

The Indian government has disputed Trump's claim that U.S. trade incentives led to a ceasefire with Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that Prime Minister Modi had clearly communicated to Trump in June that no trade deal discussions or proposals for US mediation were entertained during or following the conflict. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the issue of trade did not come up in any of the discussions between Indian and U.S. leaders.

Several leaders have urged the government to clarify and take opposition leaders into confidence regarding Trump's claims. They have emphasized that India's national interests must be protected and that it must continue to uphold a rules-based multilateral trade regime and honor WTO agreements.