India Condemns China-Pakistan Statement on Kashmir

India has decisively rejected the joint statement made by China and Pakistan regarding Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, criticizing their remarks as “unwarranted.” The Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed that these Union Territories are vital parts of India, with an unwavering stance on the issue.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that New Delhi firmly opposes any external comments on matters pertaining to India’s sovereignty. He underscored that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are “inseparable parts of India that have been, are, and will always be.”

India also expressed strong disapproval of comments related to projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), asserting that many of these projects encroach on territory India deems as its own. Officials reiterated that any attempt to legitimize activities in these areas is unacceptable.

Jaiswal emphasized India's ongoing objections to Pakistan and China regarding their development activities in regions claimed by India, rejecting Pakistan’s “illegal and forcible occupation” of its territory.

The Indian government also dismissed any reference to “trans-boundary water resources cooperation” between China and Pakistan, stating that such a framework is not recognized as the two nations do not share a legally acknowledged boundary from India's perspective.

This diplomatic reaction surfaces following Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's recent trip to China, where both nations released a joint statement addressing issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Reports indicate that China referred to the Kashmir situation as a “historical dispute,” advocating for a peaceful resolution in alignment with United Nations resolutions.

India consistently holds that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal issue and rejects third-party mediation. Officials reiterated their non-recognition of the 1963 border pact between Pakistan and China pertaining to Indian-claimed territories.

This latest exchange underscores the persistent tensions in the region, exacerbated by geopolitical rivalries, border disputes, and strategic partnerships involving major Asian powers. Analysts believe this issue will continue to be a significant diplomatic flashpoint among New Delhi, Islamabad, and Beijing.