Donald Trump has once again claimed that he played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan earlier this year, even going so far as to say that he prevented a potential nuclear war. Trump stated that "five jets were shot down" during the conflict. He attributed the cessation of hostilities to his intervention, saying he warned both countries that trade would be cut off if they continued fighting.
Trump first made these claims at a dinner with Republican lawmakers at the White House. He has since repeated this version of events on multiple occasions. Trump's narrative paints a picture of a conflict spiraling out of control, with "planes being shot out of the air," and his administration stepping in to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
The timeframe Trump is referring to is likely the military escalation that occurred in May, following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April. The situation involved cross-border shelling, as well as drone and missile attacks.
Both India and Pakistan claimed to have downed each other's fighter jets during the conflict. Pakistan claimed it had shot down five Indian aircraft. India acknowledged losing jets but did not specify the number. General Anil Chauhan, India's Chief of Defence Staff, dismissed claims of Pakistan shooting down six Indian jets as false.
Trump has repeatedly taken credit for brokering the ceasefire that ended the conflict. He announced the truce on social media on May 10, stating that it followed talks between Washington and both India and Pakistan. He has complained about not being sufficiently recognized for his role in achieving the ceasefire.
However, India has contested Trump's claims of intervention, maintaining that the ceasefire was the result of a bilateral agreement with Pakistan. New Delhi has asserted that the two countries must resolve their issues directly, without outside involvement.
The Indian opposition has criticized Prime Minister Modi's silence on Trump's repeated claims and questioned whether the country's dignity was compromised for the sake of trade.
Regardless of the validity of Trump's claims, the recent military exchange underscores the complex and volatile relationship between India and Pakistan. The two countries have a history of conflict, and tensions remain high.
