US President Donald Trump on Friday reignited controversy over his involvement in South Asian geopolitics by reiterating that he played a key role in achieving a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He also made an ambiguous claim during his address, stating,
“Five jets were shot down during the conflict.”
The former U.S. President did not provide further context on which side’s aircraft were downed or the timeline of the incident. His comment appears to reference the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and the subsequent aerial skirmish, though no official reports corroborate the specific figure of five jets.
Trump’s statement comes amid renewed attention on India-Pakistan relations, with tensions flaring periodically over issues such as Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.
🇮🇳 India’s Stand
India has consistently maintained that no third party played a role in facilitating the ceasefire agreement. According to the Ministry of External Affairs,
“All issues between India and Pakistan must be resolved bilaterally, through dialogue, and in an environment free of terror and hostility.”
India and Pakistan reaffirmed their 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, following months of backchannel talks reportedly facilitated by friendly nations, but not the U.S. directly, as per Indian officials.
🌍 Geopolitical Context
Trump has, in the past, stirred diplomatic sensitivities by offering to mediate on Kashmir, a suggestion India immediately rejected. His recent remarks risk reigniting similar concerns in New Delhi about external interference in bilateral affairs.
While Trump’s statements may play well with his base ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, Indian diplomats have often had to clarify that India remains firm on direct dialogue with Pakistan, without foreign intervention.