SRINAGAR: India on Tuesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by Pakistan and the European Union, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically rejects” the remarks on Jammu and Kashmir contained in the joint communiqué issued after discussions between Pakistan and the European Union.
“We categorically reject such unwarranted references on matters internal to India,” Jaiswal said, asserting that external parties have no role in issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
He maintained that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India and said those with no locus standi on the matter should refrain from commenting on it.
India’s response came after a joint statement issued following talks between Pakistan and European Union representatives referred to Jammu and Kashmir while emphasising the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
According to the communiqué, Pakistan briefed the European Union on developments related to Jammu and Kashmir, while the EU side shared its views on the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
New Delhi has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter and has opposed any third-party involvement in issues related to the region. The government has also reiterated that all outstanding matters between India and Pakistan should be resolved bilaterally, without external mediation.
India further maintains that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country, while territories under Pakistan’s control remain under illegal occupation.
