US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he prevented a war between India and Pakistan—this time by referencing a supposed incident where “five jets were shot down”. These dramatic statements have resurfaced multiple times in his speeches, over the past few weeks. But it’s time for India and especially the media to stop reacting every time Trump revives this narrative.
Trump’s Motivation: A Campaign Playbook
Trump’s focus has always been on portraying himself as a global dealmaker and strongman. These claims about halting a nuclear war in South Asia are part of his broader pattern, alongside his talks with North Korea, and rhetoric about handling China or Russia. His objective is to project dominance and influence on the world stage, regardless of whether the facts align with the story.
The reality is that his statements are designed for domestic political consumption. They’re not reflective of what actually unfolded between India and Pakistan. Moreover, it could also be an attempt at seeking the Nobel Peace Prize, a desire for which has been expressed by Trump repeatedly.
What Really Happened
In the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025 five heavily armed militants opened fire on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam area, killing 26 innocent people, including tourists. At least 20 others were injured. Investigations later confirmed the attackers were affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba’s shadow outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), which has since been designated a terrorist group by India, the US, and even China.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, a coordinated military strike targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and beyond. This high-level operation involved all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces and was one of the most significant military actions since Balakot in 2019.
India did acknowledge aircraft losses in the operation, but there is no official record confirming Trump’s version of “five jets being shot down” or that US intervention directly stopped the conflict. A ceasefire was declared on May 10, coordinated through military channels and diplomatic backchannels.
Why India Shouldn’t Take the Bait
Despite repeated statements from Trump, India has never confirmed that the US was instrumental in defusing tensions. On the contrary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that both nations made the decision to de-escalate after carefully weighing their own interests.
India’s military and diplomatic institutions responded swiftly and decisively to the Pahalgam attack, not because of pressure or warnings from any foreign leader, but because of a strategic calculation rooted in national security priorities.
Continuing to give oxygen to Trump’s remarks risks undermining our own institutions and the credibility of our democratic processes.
Media’s Responsibility: Refocus the Lens
Indian news outlets must reflect on why Trump’s claims keep grabbing headlines. These remarks are made for rally applause and don’t deserve serious airtime unless backed by credible evidence. Reporting on them without context creates confusion and distracts from the real issue: how India handled a deadly terror attack with precision and maturity.
Rather than giving weight to foreign political theatrics, Indian journalism should highlight the facts on the ground and the intelligence effort behind Operation Sindoor, the military’s execution, and the subsequent diplomatic resolution.
Trust the Institutions That Protect Us
India’s response to the Pahalgam attack demonstrated both strength and restraint. The armed forces acted decisively, and the government navigated a delicate security crisis without letting it spiral into full-blown war.
To suggest that a foreign leader saved the day is both factually wrong and strategically misguided. Our security apparatus under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working relentlessly to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the nation. India has always managed its security challenges through its own judgment, not because of campaign-season diplomacy.
Let Trump say what he wants. It’s time we stop listening.
