Srinagar: India on Friday rejected Pakistan’s objections to remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his recent visit to Srinagar, reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an “integral and indivisible” part of the country.
Responding to questions during the Ministry of External Affairs’ weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had no reason to comment on Pakistan’s reaction to the US envoy’s remarks.
“I will repeat, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India. They were, they are, and they will remain so,” Jaiswal said.
“I see no reason to comment on Pakistan’s frustration. This is what I have to say,” he added.
The remarks came days after Pakistan summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad and lodged a protest over comments made by Gor during his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan described the envoy’s remarks as “factually incorrect” and inconsistent with what it called Washington’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.
During his visit to Srinagar on Wednesday, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” after meeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The visit came nearly seven years after the abrogation of Article 370 and months after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gor praised security measures taken by the Centre and the J&K administration, saying significant efforts had been made to improve safety in the region.
He also indicated that the United States could review its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, which currently remains under the highest Level 4 advisory cautioning US citizens against travel.
“I cannot make any big announcements here today, but it is something that we are going to look at,” Gor had said.
The envoy also highlighted the region’s tourism potential and said more Americans could visit Jammu and Kashmir if security assessments continue to improve.
Following Pakistan’s protest, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said the matter was between Islamabad and Washington and did not concern his government.
India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and that matters relating to the Union Territory are its internal affairs. (KNO)
