US President Donald Trump has claimed that as many as five jets were shot down during the recent India–Pakistan conflict following the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. Speaking to Republican lawmakers at a White House dinner, Trump did not specify whether the downed aircraft belonged to India, Pakistan, or both. This statement marks the first time a third-party leader has publicly cited such a figure from the May clashes, which were triggered by an attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people and led to India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan has alleged that its air force downed up to six Indian aircraft—including several French-built Rafale jets—and captured pilots, though it has yet to provide evidence supporting these claims. India firmly denies losing any Rafales or pilots, dismissing the Pakistani account as "factually incorrect." India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, did acknowledge that some Indian aircraft were lost, particularly in the early stages of the conflict, but emphasised that the key issue was why the losses occurred. He stressed that Indian forces quickly adapted tactics and successfully executed precision strikes on heavily defended targets inside Pakistan.
Official Indian statements maintain that all Indian pilots returned safely after operations concluded by May 11. India also claims it shot down “a few” Pakistani aircraft, an assertion Pakistan disputes, although it does admit some of its airbases suffered damage from Indian strikes.
Trump further repeated his view that US diplomatic efforts—including threats to suspend trade talks—played a decisive role in brokering the May 10 ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed nations. India, however, contests this version, stating that de-escalation resulted from direct bilateral dialogue.
In the end, independent verification of aircraft losses remains unavailable. While both sides acknowledge some losses, Trump’s figure of five jets shot down remains unverified and is at odds with official narratives from both India and Pakistan.