Trump Reiterates Claim of Downing of Fighter Jets in India-Pakistan Conflict

US President Donald Trump said that seven “brand new, beautiful planes” were shot down during military tensions between Pakistan and India in May this year. But he did not disclose how many planes were lost by which country.

Speaking at a dinner with business leaders during a visit to Japan, Trump said, “Many wars have been stopped because of the tariffs I imposed—I have done a great service to the world.”

He said, “If you look at India and Pakistan—they were fighting. Seven new, beautiful planes were shot down.”

Trump claimed that he spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and also conveyed a message to Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir.

“I said, if you fight, we will not do any trade. We said, no, if you fight, there will be no deal—and within 24 hours it was over. “It was really incredible,” Trump said.

“I think 70 percent of the reason we didn’t have a war is because of trade,” he said.

The conflict in May was the deadliest between the two countries in decades. It began after an attack on Hindu pilgrims in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which New Delhi accused Pakistan of being behind. Islamabad denied it, calling the Indian account “numerous inconsistencies and fabricated claims.”

The four-day conflict saw both sides use warplanes, missiles, artillery and drones. Scores of people were killed. The two countries later agreed to a ceasefire.

After the conflict, Pakistan said it had shot down six Indian fighter jets, including a French-made Rafale. India, however, admitted “some damage” but denied losing six aircraft.