On Friday, July 18, U.S. President Donald Trump said “five jets were shot down” during the conflict between India and Pakistan in May. He did not specify which side lost its jets or whether this was the combined loss from the military aggression. Speaking at the White House, he hosted a dinner for Republican senators. He reiterated that the fighting ended following his intervention.
India Stresses Bilateral Ceasefire
This is in context of the military aggression between India and Pakistan after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. Operation Sindoor was a retaliation against terror infrastructure after the 22nd April Pahalgam attack. Pakistan responded and tried to target civilian and military infrastructure. Soon, tensions escalated into a war-like situation. A ceasefire was announced after four days of exchanging military hostilities.
New Delhi has maintained that the ceasefire was bilateral and the US did not play any mediatory role. The understanding was reached after direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two armed forces. During a nearly 35-minute phone call with Trump last month, Modi spoke firmly. He said that India does not accept mediation. India will “never accept” mediation. He also mentioned that Pakistan had requested the discussions. These discussions between Indian and Pakistani armed forces were about ceasing military actions.
Also read: Ajit Doval challenges Foreign Media for Proof of Damage to India During Operation Sindoor
Trump Claims Credit
However, since May 10, the US President has reiterated his claim of settling tensions by offers of trade. Mr. Trump said, “You had India, Pakistan, that was going… in fact, planes were being shot out of the air…four or five. But I think five jets were shot down actually…that was getting worse and worse, wasn’t it?
“India and Pakistan were in conflict. They were back and forth. The situation was escalating. And we got it solved through trade. We said ‘You guys want to make a trade deal. We’re not making a trade deal if you’re going to be throwing around weapons and maybe nuclear weapons. Both very powerful nuclear states.”
He claimed his administration had done more in six months than other governments did in two terms. “Something I’m very proud of, we stopped a lot of wars, a lot of wars. And these were serious wars,” Mr. Trump said.
Opposition Demands Modi’s Response
In India, the opposition has taken this opportunity to question the government. The Congress has asked PM Narendra Modi to make a clear statement in the Parliament on the American leader’s claim. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh made a statement. He mentioned it’s just two days before the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins. He said “the Trump missile gets fired” for the 24th time with the same two messages.
“The prime minister has had years of friendship with President Trump. This relationship dates back to ‘Howdy Modi’ in September 2019 and ‘Namaste Trump’ in February 2020. He now has to make a clear and categorical statement in Parliament. This is regarding what President Trump has been claiming over the past 70 days,” the Congress leader said.
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