WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump claimed during an interview on Fox News that 11 aircraft were shot down during the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, dramatically raising his previous counts of five and then seven in recent weeks.
Speaking with host Sean Hannity, Trump also reiterated his assertion that Pakistan's prime minister credited him personally with saving "30 to 50 million lives" by brokering a ceasefire.
"They don't want to admit it, but I'm the only one who stopped that war," Trump said. "India lost jets - many jets. And frankly, India has been an embarrassment on the world stage. Have you seen what's happening there?"
Trump: "11 planes were shot down during the India-Pakistan war." 🇵🇰🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/MK7s0wXN3Z
- Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) April 26, 2026
The brief but intense conflict erupted in May 2025 following a devastating terrorist attack near Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. India blamed Pakistan-based militant groups for the attack, though New Delhi also faced intense domestic scrutiny after evidence emerged suggesting intelligence failures.
What followed were days of aerial clashes over the Line of Control, with both sides claiming victories:
| Claim | Details |
|---|---|
| Trump's claim | 11 planes shot down (5 Indian? 6 Indian? 11 total? - numbers have varied) |
| Pakistan's claim | 6 Indian jets downed |
| U.S. intelligence | At least 4 confirmed losses on Indian side |
| India's official stance | "Disputed losses" - minimal acknowledgment |
In the same Fox News appearance, Trump launched into a broader critique of India, echoing remarks he has reportedly made in private fundraising events:
"India is a hell hole in many ways. You see what they do with Russian oil? They're buying everything from Putin while we're trying to stop the war in Ukraine. They think they're so smart. They're not. They lost those jets. They lost face at Pahalgam. And frankly, the whole world saw it."
Trump also suggested the United States should consider sanctions on India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, a policy position that would mark a dramatic shift from the Biden administration's more measured approach.
"I would sanction them tomorrow. Big league. You buy from Putin, you don't buy from us. Simple."
New Delhi has endured a cascade of diplomatic embarrassments following the Pahalgam incident and the subsequent air war:
Pahalgam "False Flag" Allegations: Opposition leaders and international analysts raised questions about whether intelligence warnings were ignored or suppressed, though India has firmly denied any state involvement.
Aerial Losses: While India has officially acknowledged minimal losses, satellite imagery and international reporting have contradicted New Delhi's claims, leading to opposition protests in parliament.
Trump's "Hell Hole" Comment: The former president's remarks have been amplified by Pakistani media and anti-Indian sentiment online, causing significant diplomatic irritation.
Russian Oil Sanctions Pressure: The U.S. has repeatedly pressed India to reduce its reliance on Russian energy, with Trump now calling for explicit sanctions.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson declined to comment directly on Trump's latest statements but said:
"India's record in defending its sovereignty is unmatched. We do not require validation from any foreign political figure, former or current."
One of the most confounding elements of the post-conflict narrative has been Trump's evolving counts:
| Date | Trump's Claim |
|---|---|
| May 2025 (during conflict) | "Many jets" - unspecified |
| June 2025 | 5 planes shot down |
| January 2026 | 7 planes shot down |
| April 2026 (today) | 11 planes shot down |
Critics have accused Trump of inflating the numbers for political effect, while supporters argue he has access to classified briefings unavailable to the public.
"The numbers keep growing every time he tells the story," said a defense analyst. "At this rate, by the election, he'll claim India lost an entire air force."
The U.S.-led ceasefire on May 10, 2025, did end active hostilities. However, diplomatic sources have told multiple outlets that the ceasefire was the result of coordinated efforts by the Biden administration, United Nations, China, and behind-the-scenes negotiations - not solely Trump's intervention.
Trump has consistently claimed sole credit, stating during the Fox interview:
"Pakistan's prime minister called me - called me - and said, 'Donald, you saved 30 to 50 million lives.' That's what he said. Nobody else could have done it."
No independent verification of that phone call or quote has emerged.
Pakistan has welcomed Trump's attention, with a foreign ministry spokesperson (speaking unofficially) calling him "a voice of reason."
China has remained publicly neutral but reportedly encouraged the ceasefire to prevent regional instability near its borders.
Russia - a strategic partner to both India and Pakistan - has declined to comment on the aerial loss claims, instead calling for "restraint and factual reporting."
With Trump actively campaigning for the 2026 midterms and a potential 2028 presidential run, his ongoing focus on the India-Pakistan conflict suggests he sees foreign policy bravado as a winning issue.
For India, the repeated public airing of its military losses and the "hell hole" comment represent a sustained diplomatic headache - one that shows no signs of abating as long as Trump remains a dominant voice in American politics.
The Pentagon has not commented on Trump's latest claims, referring inquiries to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which declined to release further information on the 2025 aerial clashes.
Development: This story is ongoing. Check back for updates on India's formal response and any U.S. intelligence clarification on the aircraft loss counts.
