India
Introduction: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, voiced concerns over the recent visit of the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Bagchi emphasized that India’s well-known position is that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. He urged the international community to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The spokesperson also addressed remarks made by US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, regarding Ambassador Blome’s visit, stating that the two situations are not equivalent.
US Ambassador’s Visit to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: US Ambassador Donald Blome recently conducted a six-day visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, where he met with local representatives and government officials. This visit has raised concerns in India due to the disputed status of the region.
India’s Response and Stance: In response to the visit and related developments, India has conveyed its concerns to the United States. Arindam Bagchi emphasized that India’s position on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and its integral status within India remains unchanged. He reiterated the request to the international community to respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Concerns About UK MP’s Visit: Additionally, Bagchi was asked about the visit of United Kingdom MP Andrew Gwynne to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and the remarks he made during his visit on September 26. While Bagchi did not have specific details regarding this visit, he reiterated India’s call for the international community to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
US Ambassador Garcetti’s Remarks: Earlier in September, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had commented on Ambassador Blome’s visit to Gilgit-Baltistan, stating that the matter should be resolved through direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, without the involvement of any third party.
India’s Response to Pakistan’s UN Speech: In September, Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, raised the Kashmir issue in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. In response, the First Secretary at the United Nations for the Second Committee of UNGA, Petal Gahlot, called on Pakistan to cease cross-border terrorism, vacate Indian territories under its illegal occupation, and halt human rights violations against minorities in Pakistan. Gahlot reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, are integral parts of India, and Pakistan has no standing to comment on India’s domestic matters.
Conclusion: India has expressed concerns over the visit of US Ambassador Donald Blome to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, emphasizing its position on the integral nature of Jammu and Kashmir within India. The country has called on the international community to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also addressing comments made by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti on the matter. The longstanding dispute over the status of Kashmir continues to be a point of contention in India-Pakistan relations.
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