India on Tuesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in the joint communiqué issued after the 8th round of the European Union-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, asserting that those with no “locus standi” should refrain from commenting on the country’s internal affairs.
Responding to media queries during the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically rejects” the references made in the communiqué.
“Regarding the reference to Jammu and Kashmir, we would like to state that we categorically reject such unwarranted references in the Joint Press Communiqué on matters internal to India,” Jaiswal said.
Reiterating New Delhi’s position, he added, “The union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. Those who have no locus standi in such matters should refrain from making any comments on them.”
The MEA’s reaction came after a joint communiqué issued following the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue on Monday stated that Pakistan had briefed the European delegation on Jammu and Kashmir, while the EU side provided an update on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“The Pakistan side briefed on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. The EU side briefed on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Both sides expressed support to peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter,” the communiqué said.
India objected to the reference, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of the country and that issues relating to them are entirely internal matters.
New Delhi has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir, including the territories under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, is an integral part of India and that any discussions related to the issue are strictly bilateral, leaving no role for third parties.
