Trump’s Kashmir Remarks Spark Controversy

Former United States President Donald Trump ignited controversy with statements suggesting that Pakistan and India have been engaged in conflict over Kashmir for a millennium. These remarks surfaced amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.

Following a fatal attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which resulted in the deaths of numerous tourists, relations between the nuclear-armed neighbors have deteriorated significantly, reaching a low point not seen in approximately two decades.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump inaccurately stated that the two countries had been fighting over Kashmir for a thousand years, describing it as “a bad situation.”

Despite the historical inaccuracy of Trump’s statement, it was not corrected by any journalists present. The Kashmir issue originated from the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

In response to a journalist’s query about border tensions, Trump claimed that such tensions had persisted for 1,500 years but expressed confidence in a resolution. He remarked, “India and Pakistan will figure out relations between themselves.”

Citing historical conflict in the disputed region, Trump acknowledged familiarity with both countries’ leaders but did not indicate whether he would contact them. He stated, “There’s great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been.”

As relations between Pakistan and India strained, raising concerns of potential conflict, the United Nations urged both nations to exercise “maximum restraint” in response to diplomatic measures imposed following the recent violence.

Following the attack, New Delhi reportedly suspended a water-sharing agreement, closed the main land border crossing with Pakistan, reduced diplomatic ties, and revoked visas for Pakistani citizens.

Islamabad responded by expelling Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelling visas for Indian nationals (excluding Sikh pilgrims), and closing its side of the main border crossing.

Pakistan also issued a warning, considering any attempt by India to halt water supply from the Indus River as an “act of war.”

Since 1947, Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan. India has yet to fulfill its commitment to hold a UN-mandated plebiscite.

Rebel groups have been engaged in an insurgency in IIOJK since 1989, advocating for independence.