Trump’s Kashmir Remark Sparks Controversy

Former United States President Donald Trump ignited controversy with his assertion that Pakistan and India have been in conflict over Kashmir for a millennium. His remarks came amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.

Relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors are strained following a fatal attack in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) region, where at least 27 tourists lost their lives. This incident has pushed bilateral relations to a new nadir in nearly two decades.

Trump’s historical inaccuracy occurred during a conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One. He stated that the Kashmir issue has persisted for a thousand years, possibly even longer, characterizing it as a “bad situation.”

Despite the inaccuracy, none of the journalists present corrected Trump’s statement, which overlooked the historical context of the Kashmir dispute arising from the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

In response to a journalist’s inquiry about his concerns regarding border tensions, Trump claimed that such tensions had existed for 1,500 years. However, he expressed optimism that the two nations would eventually find a solution.

“India and Pakistan will figure out relations between themselves,” he commented.

Trump acknowledged the historical conflict in the disputed border area and mentioned his familiarity with both countries’ leaders but evaded the question of whether he intended to contact them.

“There’s great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been,” he remarked.

Amidst the deteriorating relations and heightened risk of conflict, the United Nations (UN) has called for “maximum restraint” from both countries. This appeal comes as the two rivals have engaged in reciprocal diplomatic actions following the deadly attack.

In the aftermath of the assault, New Delhi suspended a water-sharing agreement, announced the closure of the primary land border crossing with Pakistan, lowered diplomatic engagement, and cancelled visas for Pakistani citizens.

Subsequently, Islamabad responded by expelling Indian diplomats and military advisors, revoking visas for Indian nationals, with the exception of Sikh pilgrims, and closing its side of the main border crossing.

Pakistan has also cautioned that any attempt by India to impede the flow of water from the Indus River would be considered an “act of war.”

Kashmir remains divided between India and Pakistan since 1947. India has yet to fulfill its commitment to holding a UN-mandated plebiscite.

Since 1989, rebel groups have been conducting an insurgency in IIOJK, advocating for independence.