India has strongly rebuffed mentions of Jammu and Kashmir in a recent joint statement issued by China and Pakistan, asserting its unequivocal stance on the region's status. Here are the key points from India's response:
1. **Integral Part of India**: India reiterated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. This position, India emphasized, is consistent and well-known to all concerned parties.
2. **Rejection of External Commentary**: India firmly stated that no other country has the authority to comment on the status of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that this matter falls strictly within India's sovereign domain.
3. **Concerns Over CPEC**: India expressed serious concerns about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects that were mentioned in the joint statement. It pointed out that some of these projects are situated in territories that India considers to be under illegal occupation by Pakistan. India categorically opposes any actions that could reinforce or legitimize Pakistan's presence in these areas, which it views as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
4. **Resolute Stand**: The statement by India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, underscored the country's resolute stance against external interference in matters related to its territories and the unwarranted references made by China and Pakistan in their joint statement.
This response from India underscores its firm position on the status of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity against any external challenges or claims.
