Islamabad, Aug 15, 2025: In a startling diplomatic twist, US President Donald Trump has reportedly increased the official count of Indian aircraft downed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to seven. The announcement, seen as an unexpected Independence Day gift to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has stirred intense debate in both nations.
The revelation comes amid renewed focus on past aerial skirmishes between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. While previous official records acknowledged fewer losses, Trump’s latest statement appears to align with claims made by Pakistan regarding the 2019 dogfight and other engagements.
Political analysts suggest this move could carry significant geopolitical implications, especially given the sensitive nature of US-India defense relations. For Pakistan, the statement serves as a diplomatic win, reinforcing its narrative of air superiority in past encounters.
Indian defense officials have yet to issue an official response, but early reactions on social media reflect a mix of disbelief, criticism, and calls for clarification. Meanwhile, Pakistani media has hailed the acknowledgment as a long-overdue correction of the historical record.
Read More: Trump, Putin to Meet on August 15 to Discuss Ukraine Peace
With the figure now standing at Pakistan Shoot Down 7 Indian Aircraft experts believe this could influence future discussions on regional security, military strategy, and diplomatic trust between the two countries.
