Pakistan shot down 10 Indian fighter jets, including French Rafales. Donald Trump has increased the number of aircraft shot down during the May 2025 brief war between Pakistan and India to 10. Trump disclosed this in an interview with Fox Business on Wednesday.
While discussing his trade “reciprocity policy,” Trump claimed tariffs helped him resolve multiple international conflicts. “I settled eight wars. Out of the eight wars, at least six were settled because of tariffs,” he said. He added that he warned countries he would impose tariffs if they failed to end hostilities.
Referring to the four-day military escalation between India and Pakistan, Trump said, “They were really going at it. Ten planes were shot down.” He further claimed the confrontation risked turning nuclear. “Without tariffs, that ceasefire wouldn’t have happened,” he asserted.
Trump also quoted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as thanking him for “saving at least 10 million lives” by helping halt the fighting. During an Oval Office meeting in September 2025, Shehbaz publicly appreciated Trump’s role in facilitating the ceasefire.
India Disputes Mediation Claims as US Ties Continue
Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours surged in April 2025 after a deadly attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan without presenting evidence, while Islamabad strongly denied involvement. Both sides exchanged strikes before announcing a ceasefire in May.
Initially, Trump said five jets were downed in the conflict. However, he later raised the figure to seven in October, eight in November, and now 10.
India has rejected Trump’s repeated assertions that his intervention and trade threats led to the ceasefire. Nevertheless, US engagement with both countries has continued. Earlier this month, Trump announced a trade deal with New Delhi. Shortly afterward, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Washington for talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
