The Daily Show host Trevor Noah apologizes for 'racist' jokes about India-Pakistan conflict

Comedian and "The Daily Show" host Trevor Noah has apologized for mocking the tensions between India and Pakistan, after being accused of racism over jokes he made about the conflict.

What did Noah say?

In a segment of his show last week, Noah joked that if the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan turned into a war, "it would probably be the most entertaining war of all time," and mimicked Indian soldiers singing and dancing Bollywood-style on the battlefield.

He went on to say "It would also be the longest war of all time," adding, "Another dance number?"

Noah was branded as "racist" and "insensitive" on social media, causing him to respond with an apology and explain himself. The South African comic said he used humor to "process pain and discomfort," pointing out that he even joked after his mother was shot in the head.

The Daily Show host also noted that the outrage over his joke had garnered more attention than the border conflict itself, adding, "sometimes it seems like people are more offended by the jokes comedians make about an issue than the issue itself."

What's the background?

India and Pakistan have battled for decades over the border region of Kashmir, resulting in all-out war between the two nations on three occasions since 1947.

On Feb. 14, a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary troops in an area claimed by both India and Pakistan. According to Reuters, the Pakistani-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) said it carried out the attack, and India responded by sending warplanes across the border and striking a JeM training camp.

A dogfight ensued, with the countries offering conflicting reports over the skirmish and casualties on both sides. But India lost at least one jet, and a downed pilot captured by Pakistan was returned to India on March 1 to a hero's welcome, the BBC reported.