Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again claimed credit for stopping a recent clash between India and Pakistan, a claim that India has repeatedly refuted. Trump asserted that the two nuclear-armed neighbors were on the brink of a "nuclear war" and that his intervention prevented a larger conflict. He specifically claimed that "five jets were shot down" during the hostilities.
Trump has repeatedly stated that U.S. diplomatic efforts, including implied threats to suspend trade with both nations, led to de-escalation. "I called them and said: no more trade if you do this," Trump stated.
However, India has consistently denied Trump's version of events. New Delhi maintains that the decision to halt military action was reached bilaterally with Pakistan, following discussions between the two countries' Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs). India has also refuted Trump's claim that the U.S. President "helped settle" the tensions between India and Pakistan.
The conflict in question occurred in April and May of 2025, triggered by an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that resulted in the deaths of 26 people. India blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the attack, a charge Pakistan denied, calling for a neutral investigation. The ensuing skirmishes included cross-border firing and artillery shelling. On May 7, 2025, India launched missile strikes on what it said were militant camps in Pakistan, leading to further military conflict. Pakistan retaliated, claiming to have downed Indian jets and damaged Indian infrastructure. A ceasefire was announced on May 10, 2025.
Adding to the disagreement, Trump claimed that five jets were shot down during the conflict. While Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets, India has denied these losses. India's Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chawhan, dismissed Pakistan's claims, but admitted that many Pakistani fighter jets were shot down. Reports suggest India used decoy systems to mislead Pakistani missile systems.
The Indian government has also rejected Trump's claim that he threatened to stop trade with India and Pakistan to achieve a ceasefire. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the issue of trade did not arise in discussions between Indian and U.S. leaders during the period of conflict.
Amidst these conflicting narratives, an American diplomat told the UN Security Council that the United States facilitated de-escalation between India and Pakistan. This echoes Trump's assertions of mediating a ceasefire, though India continues to deny any third-party role.
The repeated claims by Trump have drawn criticism from Indian opposition leaders. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted that Trump has reiterated his claims numerous times and questioned the silence of the Indian Prime Minister on the issue.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain. India is reportedly militarizing its border with Pakistan, including raising a drone squadron for surveillance. This decision was made after a review of weaknesses revealed post Operation Sindoor. India is also constructing taller flagpoles at the border to fly its flag higher than Pakistan's, symbolizing national prestige and competition.
