New Delhi : China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an "uncalled reference" to Jammu and Kashmir during his speech at a function in Pakistan today, which was rejected by the Indian government as being "uncalled."
"Matters related to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are entirely the internal affairs of India. Other countries including China have no locus standi to comment. They should note that India refrains from the public judgement of their internal issues," ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
China shares the same hope regarding Kashmir with many of our Islamic friends, Wang had said in his opening speech at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Pakistan.
Wang Yi's comments were rejected by New Delhi at a time when the two sides were having hectic consultations about a possible trip by him to New Delhi within two days.
In the matter of Jammu and Kashmir, China has repeatedly reiterated its support for Pakistan -- its strategic ally.
In a statement released last month, the Indian government rejected the reference to Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that both the region and Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are, and will remain integral parts of India.
Xi Jinping and Imran Khan talked in Beijing on February 6 and signed a joint statement. Mr Bagchi said India has "always rejected such references, our position is well understood by China and Pakistan".
In July last year, China had reiterated its support to Pakistan on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, saying it opposes any unilateral action which could complicate the situation.