US President Donald Trump’s recent remark that “five jets were shot down” during the India-Pakistan military standoff following the Pahalgam terror attack has triggered a political storm in India. While Trump did not specify whether the downed aircraft were Indian or Pakistani, his vague statement has prompted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to demand an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Modi ji, what is the truth behind the five jets? The country has a right to know," Rahul Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing the video of Trump’s comment. His statement has reignited debate around Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory campaign launched after 26 people, including tourists, were killed in a terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

Operation Sindoor saw India launch precision strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistan, targeting key facilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan had claimed to have downed several Indian jets during the exchange, including three Rafales—claims India has consistently denied.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has acknowledged some aircraft losses but dismissed Pakistan’s figures, emphasizing operational learning and the success of subsequent long-range strikes. “The good part is that we understood the tactical mistake, rectified it, and flew again to hit harder,” he said.

BJP’s Amit Malviya launched a scathing response to Gandhi, accusing him of undermining national interest. “Trump didn’t name India. Why does Rahul Gandhi assume the jets were ours? Is he more aligned with Pakistan’s narrative?” Malviya asked, branding the Congress leader’s stance as “traitor-like.”

As the political row deepens, the government has remained silent, even as the opposition and ruling party trade sharp barbs over national security and patriotism.

US President Donald Trump’s recent remark that “five jets were shot down” during the India-Pakistan military standoff following the Pahalgam terror attack has triggered a political storm in India. While Trump did not specify whether the downed aircraft were Indian or Pakistani, his vague statement has prompted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to demand an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Modi ji, what is the truth behind the five jets? The country has a right to know," Rahul Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing the video of Trump’s comment. His statement has reignited debate around Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory campaign launched after 26 people, including tourists, were killed in a terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

Operation Sindoor saw India launch precision strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistan, targeting key facilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Pakistan had claimed to have downed several Indian jets during the exchange, including three Rafales—claims India has consistently denied.

India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has acknowledged some aircraft losses but dismissed Pakistan’s figures, emphasizing operational learning and the success of subsequent long-range strikes. “The good part is that we understood the tactical mistake, rectified it, and flew again to hit harder,” he said.

BJP’s Amit Malviya launched a scathing response to Gandhi, accusing him of undermining national interest. “Trump didn’t name India. Why does Rahul Gandhi assume the jets were ours? Is he more aligned with Pakistan’s narrative?” Malviya asked, branding the Congress leader’s stance as “traitor-like.”

As the political row deepens, the government has remained silent, even as the opposition and ruling party trade sharp barbs over national security and patriotism.