Trump Claims Credit for Stopping India-Pakistan War

United States President Donald Trump has once again reignited debate over his role in ensuring peace between India and Pakistan, claiming that his intervention averted a major conflict between the two nuclear-armed nations. At a recent political event, Trump asserted, “They shot down five planes in the last attack. It was back and forth, back and forth. I called them and I said no more trade if you do this. They are both powerful nuclear nations. Who knows where that would have ended up — and I stopped it.” His remarks have once again brought to light the fragile relations between India and Pakistan and the high-stakes diplomacy often required to prevent escalation.

Trump’s Previous Comments on India-Pakistan Tensions

This is not the first instance of Trump taking credit for halting a potential conflict in South Asia. In May, while speaking at a dinner with Republican lawmakers, he referenced a dramatic episode involving the downing of aircraft after a militant attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). According to Trump, “Planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually.” He did not clarify which side suffered the losses but highlighted the grave risks involved.

Trump has reiterated at multiple forums that his threats to suspend trade with both India and Pakistan played a significant role in forcing both sides to de-escalate. “Had we not stepped in, this could have escalated to a level that nobody wants to think about,” he claimed, suggesting that direct American intervention was pivotal in preventing a broader war.

Conflicting Reports of Aerial Losses

The period Trump refers to was marked by conflicting reports from Indian and Pakistani sources regarding military losses. Pakistani defense officials maintain that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down six Indian aircraft during the intense exchange. They claim the downed jets included three Rafale fighters, one MiG-29, one Sukhoi Su-30, and an Israeli-made Heron surveillance drone. According to Pakistani officials, all aircraft were intercepted before they could enter Pakistani airspace, and Pakistan suffered no aerial losses.

Of particular note was the inclusion of the Rafale jet, a centerpiece in India’s recent defense procurement from France. The loss, if confirmed, would be a major blow for India, not only in military terms but also in terms of international defense credibility. Reports suggested that following the incident, shares of Dassault Aviation, Rafale’s manufacturer, dipped by 6% due to market anxieties over the jet’s performance.

India, however, has denied losing any Rafale or MiG-29 aircraft. Indian officials acknowledged “initial setbacks” on the first day of combat but have not provided details about lost assets. Instead, New Delhi claimed that its air force downed “a few” Pakistani jets, a claim Pakistan has repeatedly denied.

Disputed Diplomatic Narratives

Trump’s proclaimed intervention is not without controversy. While he suggests that his threat to cut off trade directly led to a ceasefire, India has consistently rejected any external mediation or involvement in its disputes with Pakistan. New Delhi maintains that issues with Islamabad must be resolved bilaterally, sticking to its long-standing diplomatic position. Trump did not clarify whether he spoke directly to Indian or Pakistani leaders in his recent statement, leaving the specifics of the alleged intervention ambiguous.

The Trigger: Attack in IIOJK

The immediate cause of the military escalation was an April attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that left 26 Indian paramilitary personnel and civilians dead. India alleged that Pakistan-based militant outfits were behind the assault. Islamabad, in turn, denied any involvement and called for a neutral international investigation.

In response, India launched air strikes on what it described as militant camps inside Pakistani territory on May 7. This led to a sharp Pakistani reaction, including aerial and ground operations, artillery exchanges along the Line of Control, and drone interceptions. The sequence of events marked one of the tensest confrontations between the two countries since the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot episode, underscoring the ever-present risk of escalation in the region.