Trump Says Five Jets Downed in India-Pakistan Clash After Kashmir Attack

U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday that up to five fighter jets were downed during recent India-Pakistan hostilities triggered by an April militant attack in India-administered Kashmir. Speaking at a dinner with Republican lawmakers, Trump said, "Planes were being shot out of the air—five, five, four or five—but I think five jets were shot down," without specifying which country lost them.

The conflict erupted following a deadly Islamist attack that killed 26 in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-based militants, prompting Indian airstrikes on alleged terror sites across the border. In response, both nations exchanged fire using fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery until a ceasefire was reached on May 10. Dozens were killed during the confrontation.

Pakistan claimed it shot down five Indian jets, while India said it downed several Pakistani aircraft. Islamabad denied losing any planes but confirmed its air bases were hit. India’s top general later noted that the country shifted tactics after early losses and gained air superiority before the ceasefire.

Trump has credited his administration for brokering the ceasefire, claiming it came after U.S.-led talks and pressure. However, India disputes this, insisting it resolved the crisis independently and opposes third-party mediation in its disputes with Pakistan.

The flare-up underscores ongoing tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals over Kashmir, a region at the center of decades of conflict. The U.S. has strategic interests in both countries—India as a key ally to counter China in Asia, and Pakistan as a long-standing partner.

While Washington condemned the April attack, it stopped short of directly blaming Islamabad. India continues to call for accountability and insists cross-border terror must end for peace to prevail.