Trump Draws Criticism Over Misstatement on Pakistan-India Kashmir Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump sparked backlash after incorrectly stating that Pakistan and India have been “fighting over Kashmir for 1,000 years,” while addressing the latest rise in tensions between the two nuclear powers.
During an informal talk with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked, “The Kashmir conflict has lasted for a thousand years, maybe even longer—it’s a tough situation.” His comments, though, contradict historical facts, as the Kashmir dispute began in 1947 following the partition of British India. Despite the error, none of the journalists present corrected the claim.
Responding to a question about the situation along the Line of Control, Trump further exaggerated the timeline, suggesting unrest had been ongoing for “1,500 years.” He expressed optimism, however, that Pakistan and India would ultimately manage to settle their differences. While acknowledging his rapport with the leaders of both nations, he gave no indication of any direct U.S. involvement in mediating the conflict.
Tensions have soared in the wake of a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which resulted in the deaths of at least 27 tourists. India reacted strongly, suspending a major water-sharing agreement, downgrading diplomatic ties, revoking visas for Pakistani citizens, and sealing the main land border.
In response, Islamabad expelled Indian envoys and military officials, cancelled Indian visas except for Sikh pilgrims, and shut its side of the border. The Pakistani government also warned that any disruption of water flow from the Indus River by India would be considered an “act of war.”
The United Nations has called on both sides to exercise “maximum restraint” amid the ongoing escalation.
Kashmir has been a flashpoint between the two nations since 1947, with India yet to hold a UN-promised plebiscite to determine the region’s status. Since 1989, a number of insurgent groups have fought in Indian-administered Kashmir, seeking either independence or a merger with Pakistan.
