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The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s objection to US envoy Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are “integral and indivisible” parts of India.

 

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India saw no reason to comment on Pakistan’s reaction after Islamabad summoned a senior US diplomat over Gor’s remarks.

 

“I see no reason to comment on Pakistan’s frustration,” Jaiswal said, reiterating India’s position that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh “were, they are, and they will remain” integral and indivisible parts of the country.

 

Pakistan had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires on Wednesday and lodged a diplomatic protest over Gor’s description of Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India”. Islamabad said the remarks were factually incorrect and contrary to what it described as Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir.

 

Gor made the remarks after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar during his first standalone visit to the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Also read: US envoy Gor calls J&K ‘important part of India'

 

During his visit, Gor praised security improvements in Jammu and Kashmir and indicated that the US could review its highest-level travel advisory for the region.

 

He said the US would examine whether its current Level 4 “do not travel” advisory could be downgraded, citing what he described as significant steps taken by the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to improve security.

 

“This is an important part of India,” Gor said after his meeting with Abdullah, describing the region as beautiful and expressing hope for stronger ties.

 

Gor also said the US would take the issue back to Washington and New Delhi for further consideration, while stopping short of making any immediate announcement on the travel warning.

 

Abdullah had earlier said Pakistan’s decision to summon the US diplomat was an issue between Islamabad and Washington.

 

The latest exchange comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivities over Jammu and Kashmir, with India continuing to maintain that the Union Territory is an integral part of the country.