Trump’s Kashmir Remark Sparks Controversy

Former United States President Donald Trump ignited controversy with his statement suggesting that Pakistan and India have been “fighting over Kashmir for 1,000 years.” His comments came amidst escalating tensions between the two nations.

The relationship between the nuclear-armed neighbors has deteriorated following a fatal gun attack in the Pahalgam region of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 27 tourists, further straining already fragile bilateral ties to their lowest point in nearly two decades.

Trump’s inaccurate statement occurred during a conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One. He asserted that the two countries have been in conflict over Kashmir for a millennium, stating, “The Kashmir issue has been going on for a thousand years, maybe even longer, and this is a bad situation.”

While Trump’s statement contained historical inaccuracies, none of the journalists present corrected his mistake. The Kashmir issue arose from the contentious partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

When questioned about his concerns regarding the border tensions between the two nations, Trump responded that the border had been tense for 1,500 years, but that they would eventually resolve the issue.

He also added, “India and Pakistan will figure out relations between themselves.”

Trump referenced historical conflict in the disputed region and mentioned his familiarity with both countries’ leaders but did not respond when asked if he intended to contact them.

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

Amidst worsening relations between Pakistan and India, raising the specter of potential conflict, the United Nations (UN) has called for both nations to exercise “maximum restraint.” This appeal came as the nuclear-armed rivals engaged in reciprocal diplomatic measures following the deadly shooting.

In the aftermath of the attack, New Delhi took actions such as suspending a water-sharing agreement, announcing the closure of the primary land border crossing with Pakistan, downgrading diplomatic relations, and revoking visas for Pakistani citizens.

In response, Islamabad moved to expel Indian diplomats and military advisors, revoked visas for Indian nationals (excluding Sikh pilgrims), and closed the main border crossing from its side.

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

Since their independence in 1947, Kashmir has remained divided between India and Pakistan. India has yet to fulfill its commitment to holding a UN-mandated plebiscite in the region.

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