India Reaffirms J&K, Ladakh Integral Parts of Country

NEW DELHI, Aug 15: India on Friday reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an inalienable and integral part of the country, while External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the international community should instead focus on the alleged atrocities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the use of PoJK for cross-border terrorism.

Addressing a media briefing in the national capital, Jaiswal said India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir remains clear and consistent, and stressed that matters concerning the two Union Territories are an internal matter for India.

On Afghanistan, he said India has maintained several engagements with Kabul in recent months, including ministerial-level visits that have helped strengthen cooperation in development, trade, connectivity and other areas. India, he added, has longstanding ties with Afghanistan and remains committed to further deepening the partnership.

Responding to Bangladesh’s request for additional diesel supplies amid an energy crisis, Jaiswal said India already has an arrangement with Bangladesh for diesel supplies. The additional request, he said, would be examined keeping in view India’s domestic requirements, refining capacity and diesel availability.

On Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, Jaiswal said India has extended an invitation for a bilateral visit as well as for participation in the outreach session of the BRICS Summit.

On the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, he reiterated that legislative matters are internal issues and Parliament will take a decision.

On Russia’s Northern Sea Route, Jaiswal said India has multifaceted cooperation with Russia, with connectivity forming an important component.

He also expressed condolences over lives lost in the earthquake in Colombia and said India had sent 20 metric tonnes of relief material, including medical supplies and equipment, to assist recovery efforts. (Agencies)