Miami: US President Donald Trump has revised the number of aircraft shot down by Pakistan during the Pakistan-India military clash in May this year, stating that the tally was “eight essentially.”
The confrontation between Pakistan and India earlier this year marked the most serious escalation in decades. It began after a terrorist attack in IIOJK’s Pahalgam area, which killed 26 tourists. New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing the assault, but Pakistan strongly denied involvement and offered to join a neutral probe into the incident.
During the confrontation, Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, along with several drones. The hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations lasted for 87 hours before a ceasefire was reached on May 10, with the United States brokering the agreement.
Trump’s Remarks in Miami
Speaking at the America Business Forum in Miami on Wednesday, Trump recalled reading conflicting reports about the number of planes destroyed. “Some newspapers said seven, some said eight,” he remarked. “I won’t name them—most publish false news—but eight planes were shot down essentially.”
He also described how he intervened to prevent the conflict from worsening. “I was finalizing trade deals with both countries when I learned they were going to war,” Trump said. “I told them no deal if they’re at war. Then I got a call—they needed peace. They stopped. I said thank you, let’s trade.”
Earlier Statements
Last month, Trump had claimed that “seven brand-new and beautiful planes” were destroyed, emphasizing India’s losses. He also boasted that his administration’s mediation prevented a potential nuclear confrontation between Pakistan and India.
