MEA dismisses Pakistan’s protest over US envoy’s Kashmir remark

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s diplomatic protest over US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remarks describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India”.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the ministry’s bi-weekly press briefing in Delhi, said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were integral and indivisible parts of India.

“They were, they are, and they will remain so,” Jaiswal said.

Asked about Pakistan summoning the US Charge d’Affaires over Gor’s remarks, Jaiswal described the diplomatic row as a result of Islamabad’s frustration.

“I see no reason to comment on Pakistan’s frustration. This is what I have to say,” he said.

Gor made the remarks during his ongoing visit to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. After meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Wednesday, the US envoy said the region was “an important part of India” and described it as an “incredibly beautiful place”.

Gor also indicated that Washington could review its Level 4 “do not travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir in the future. He said the US would examine whether the travel warning should be downgraded, citing the region’s security situation and its tourism potential.

Pakistan summoned the US Charge d’Affaires and protested Gor’s remarks, calling them “factually incorrect” and saying they contradicted what it described as Washington’s longstanding position on Jammu and Kashmir.

The remarks come as Gor, who also serves as US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, continues his visit to the region.