Besides long-range aerial fights, both sides also launched drones and cruise missiles against enemy infrastructure, bringing air-defense systems into play.

The claims have grave implications for India. It has modernised its forces in the past decade by buying 62 Rafales and is considering buying more. Pakistan, meanwhile, has added 150 JF -17 fighters, most jointly made with China, since 2007 and has bought 20 J -10 C s since 2022.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that hostilities between Pakistan and India were settled, after he urged the two countries to focus on trade instead of war. He told U.S. troops at a base in Qatar during a Gulf tour that Pakistan and India were happy with that.