India Dismisses Pakistan Protest Over Gor’s J&K Remark
India has dismissed Pakistan’s protest over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are “integral and indivisible” parts of India. The Ministry of External Affairs described Islamabad’s reaction as an expression of “frustration.”
India Responds to Pakistan Over J&K Remarks
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s longstanding position after Pakistan objected to Gor describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” during his visit to Srinagar.
Jaiswal said Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh “were, they are, and they will remain” integral and indivisible parts of India, adding that New Delhi saw no reason to comment further on Pakistan’s reaction.
Pakistan Summons US Diplomat Over Sergio Gor
Pakistan had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodged a formal protest over Gor’s statement. Islamabad claimed the US ambassador’s remarks were factually incorrect and inconsistent with what Pakistan described as Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir.
Gor made the remarks during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since assuming office as US Ambassador to India. He met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar and discussed economic cooperation and future engagement.
US May Review Jammu Kashmir Travel Advisory
During the visit, Gor also indicated that the United States could reconsider its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, citing improvements in the security situation.
He said the US periodically reviews its travel warnings and acknowledged steps taken by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to improve safety.
Gor’s visit was also the first standalone trip to the Kashmir Valley by a serving US ambassador since the constitutional changes of 2019.
