US President Donald Trump has once again stirred attention with his evolving claims about the India-Pakistan conflict that took place in May 2025. Speaking recently at the America Business Forum in Miami, Trump asserted that eight jets were shot down during the military clashes between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. This marks the latest revision in his figures, which have ranged from three to now eight aircraft over recent months.

Trump recounted how, amid ongoing trade negotiations with both India and Pakistan, he learned about the escalating conflict through media reports. Claiming the two nations were heading toward war, with multiple jets already downed, he said he threatened to halt trade deals unless peace was reached swiftly. According to Trump, this tough stance led to a ceasefire within 24 hours and prevented what could have been a devastating war between the two countries.

Despite Trumps repeated credit-taking for brokering peace and stopping the conflict, Indian authorities have consistently refuted any third-party intervention. The Indian government maintains that the ceasefire was the result of direct, bilateral military communication and coordination, not external pressure or trade deal threats. India also emphasizes its sovereign decision-making in handling the situation.

This episode reflects Trumps broader attempts to position himself as a global peacemaker, boasting about ending multiple conflicts worldwide through economic leverage such as tariffs. However, his claims have frequently faced skepticism and controversy, especially given the lack of corroborative evidence and the changing details regarding the number of jets shot down and the exact nature of his involvement.

The India-Pakistan clash in May 2025 was marked by Operation Sindoor, wherein India targeted terror bases across the border following a terror attack. The conflict saw aerial engagements resulting in losses on both sides, including multiple Pakistani jets. While India has acknowledged losses on both sides, official sources highlight that the Pakistani aircraft destroyed included US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17 jet fighters, mainly in retaliation and defensive actions.

While Trumps narrative adds an intriguing twist to the story, the on-ground reality reflects a complex military and diplomatic interaction between India and Pakistan, underpinned by established communication channels rather than unilateral external mediation. His claims, although widely reported, remain contested and symbolically represent his aggressive foreign policy rhetoric tied to trade and tariffs.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.