Trump Revisits India-Pakistan Tensions
Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that eight aircraft were downed during a past military confrontation between India and Pakistan, challenging earlier media reports that cited six or seven losses.
Speaking at a public event in Miami, Trump said he had reviewed conflicting figures in various newspapers. Some reports said seven planes were destroyed, others said one was only damaged, he told the audience. But according to what I know, the actual number was eight.
While Trump did not specify which conflict he was referring to, his remarks appeared to allude to the February 2019 air skirmish between the two South Asian rivals, which followed a deadly attack in Pulwama, Indian-administered Kashmir.
Claims of Mediating Between Nuclear Powers
Trump went on to say that he personally intervened to prevent further escalation between Islamabad and New Delhi.
I told both countries that if the fighting didn’t stop, I would raise tariffs and suspend trade, he said, suggesting that economic pressure convinced the two sides to de-escalate.
At the time, the United States had repeatedly urged restraint, as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors were at their highest in decades. Washington had sought to prevent a wider war after both nations conducted airstrikes across the disputed border.
Remarks on South Africa and Global Forums
During the same speech, Trump also turned his attention to South Africa, criticizing its inclusion in the G20 group of major economies. South Africa should not be part of the G20, he said, adding that he would skip the next summit.
His comments drew swift reactions online, with some analysts viewing them as part of his ongoing criticism of multilateral institutions and international groupings.
Reference to Middle East Peace Initiatives
Trump further highlighted his administration’s efforts to advance peace in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would soon join the initiative.
Statement Draws Attention Amid Renewed Tensions
Trump’s latest claims come at a time when discussions about military tensions in South Asia have resurfaced in global forums. However, his statements regarding the number of aircraft lost have not been independently verified.
The former president’s comments, blending past foreign policy assertions with campaign-style rhetoric, underscore his continued interest in portraying himself as a global dealmaker even after leaving office.
