Former US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a sensational claim that five fighter jets were shot down during the recent ਭਾਰਤ-Pakistan military standoff in May 2025. His comments have triggered political uproar in ਭਾਰਤ, with the opposition demanding a formal clarification from Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ Narendra Modi.
Trump made the remark while addressing a gathering in the US on Thursday. “There was a big problem between ਭਾਰਤ and Pakistan — a big conflict, they were shooting each other’s jets down. I think five jets were shot down — four or five, but I think five,” he said. He also claimed credit for helping stop the conflict, saying he used his influence during ongoing US trade negotiations with both countries.
The Indian ਸਰਕਾਰ has not yet officially responded to Trump’s statement. However, the claim contradicts ਭਾਰਤ’s consistent position that the ceasefire with Pakistan was a result of direct diplomatic efforts, with no involvement from any third party.
Reacting sharply to Trump’s statement, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asked Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ Modi to address the nation and reveal the truth. “Modi ji, what is the truth? The country wants answers,” Gandhi said in a post on social media. Several other opposition leaders have also demanded a detailed statement in Parliament.
During the May 2025 flare-up, both ਭਾਰਤ and Pakistan accused each other of violating airspace and claimed to have downed enemy aircraft. While ਭਾਰਤ acknowledged the loss of one fighter jet, Pakistan claimed multiple Indian jets were shot down — a claim ਭਾਰਤ has never confirmed.
With pressure mounting, the ਸਰਕਾਰ may be compelled to issue an official clarification during the upcoming session of Parliament.
Background:
The ਭਾਰਤ-Pakistan border has witnessed occasional skirmishes, but the May 2025 incident marked the most serious aerial exchange in recent years. Both countries had since agreed to a ceasefire and resumed diplomatic talks.
What’s Next:
The opposition plans to raise the issue in Parliament, and defence experts are calling for transparency regarding the details of the air conflict and the role of foreign powers, if any.
