Did India’s S-400 Strike On Pakistan’s F-16s Trigger Trump’s Tariff War On New Delhi? Netizens Wonder

In a major announcement, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Marshal AP Singh on Saturday that Pakistan lost five fighter jets and an AWACS aircraft during Operation Sindoor. This is the first official confirmation from the IAF regarding the damage inflicted on Pakistani aircraft in the operation.

India Downed US-Made F-16 Jets

Speaking at the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, Air Marshal Singh revealed that the S-400 missile defence system brought down five Pakistani fighter jets and an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft. He further stated that several American-made F-16 jets and another large aircraft, possibly another AWACS, were destroyed on the ground when India targeted Pakistani airbases.

The IAF chief noted that these aircraft were under maintenance inside hangars when Indian strikes hit the bases from a range exceeding 300 km - one of the longest air-to-surface strikes carried out by India. While he did not name the types of the five jets downed in air combat, he confirmed that "a few" F-16s were among those destroyed on the ground.

Is This The Reason Why Trump Is Furious On India?

His remarks have also sparked speculation online about the geopolitical implications, particularly regarding US President Donald Trump's changing stance towards India since the operation. Trump has both claimed credit for stopping the conflict and attempted to strengthen ties with Islamabad, while also imposing a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports - the highest along with Brazil.

A user named RajPattem wrote, "I think the IAF/GOI avoided news of S-400 shoot down Pakistani jets to prevent embarrassing the US. An S-400 hitting F-16s left & right would be a very bad situation worldwide for US defence industry. After US/Trump's behaviour, India is moving ahead with its announcements."

Another account, MR . AK, stated, "We hit their airfield in Pakistan - we had solid intel on F-16s taking off to attack us, and they were struck hard." ~ Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh 🔥 Is this the reason Donald Trump is fuming?

Similarly, a user with the handle The Analyzer commented, "We attacked the Airfield there (PAK), we had Hard Int. on F16s taking off from there & attacking us" ~ Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirms- F-16s were STRUCK HARD🔥Is this why Donald Trump is so frustrated?"