Trump displays ignorance of Pak-India history, claims Kashmir conflict is 1,000 years old

US President Donald Trump appeared unaware of the historical context surrounding the Kashmir dispute and long-standing tensions between Pakistan and India, as he incorrectly claimed the issue dates back 1,500 years.

While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump was asked whether he had a message for India and Pakistan amid rising tensions following a deadly attack in Kashmir.

In response, Trump acknowledged his familiarity with the leaders of both nations but evaded questions about directly contacting them.

In a significant historical inaccuracy, the president stated, “They’ve been fighting over Kashmir for a thousand years. Maybe even longer. It’s a very bad situation.”

He further added that tensions have existed on that border "for 1,500 years,” and expressed vague optimism by saying, “But, they’ll get it figured out, one way or the other, I’m sure of that. There’s been great tension between Pakistan and India, but there always has been.”

Notably, none of the journalists present on the plane corrected Trump's historical error.

When asked whether he would speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the US president responded by saying, “I have strong ties with both India and Pakistan,” and claimed that the Kashmir conflict has been going on “for a thousand years, maybe even longer.”

In reality, the Kashmir conflict emerged following the 1947 partition of British India, not centuries ago. The issue stems from the contentious accession of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir to India, which Pakistan has consistently disputed.

Trump also remarked, “There is a lot of tension between Pakistan and India. But it has always been there,” reiterating his view without acknowledging the modern geopolitical roots of the conflict.

Raed more: Pakistan, India will ‘figure out’ Kashmir tensions: Trump

Tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors escalated after the recent killing of 26 Indian tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In response, Pakistan condemned the violence and took a firm stance against India’s actions, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.