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Thursday, November 06, 2025  
14 Jumada Al-Awwal 1447  

Trump’s fresh claim over air clash losses leaves India red-faced

US president says eight Indian aircraft were destroyed during May skirmishes
Donald Trump. – Reuters file
Donald Trump. – Reuters file

US President Donald Trump once again embarrassed India while commenting on the recent tensions between Pakistan and India, claiming that “a total of eight Indian aircraft were shot down during the three-day clashes in May.”

Speaking at a business forum in Miami, President Trump said that while he was engaged in trade negotiations with both countries at the time, news suddenly broke that India and Pakistan were “on the brink of war”.

“I read on the front page that both nations were going to war — seven aircraft were shot down and the eighth was badly damaged. So, essentially, eight planes were destroyed,” Trump said.

He added, “I called both sides, said a few tough words, and the war stopped. Had I not intervened, South Asia might have seen another major conflict.”

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This latest claim by Trump has caused fresh embarrassment for New Delhi, as the Indian government has consistently denied suffering losses during the May clashes.

Indian media, meanwhile, continues to circulate false reports of Pakistani aircraft being downed to obscure the actual outcome of the confrontation.

According to Pakistani defence analysts, “Operation Sindoor” was an aggressive Indian plan that the Pakistan Air Force foiled through a timely counter-strike, downing several Indian jets and forcing enemy pilots to retreat.

Political commentators say Trump’s remarks have exposed India’s military setbacks, noting that a sitting US president’s public admission that “eight Indian aircraft were shot down” sends a clear message to the international community — that India’s “superpower” narrative is little more than a façade.

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Narendra Modi

President Donald Trump

Pakistan, India border clashes

Pakistan, India military clash

8 Indian planes shot down

Pakistan, India clashes

May clashes