Now Reading: US envoy calls J&K part of India, Pakistan protests
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US envoy calls J&K part of India, Pakistan protests
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, described the region as 'an important part of India', triggering a diplomatic row. Pakistan summoned the US Chargé d'Affaires in Islamabad and lodged a strong protest, rejecting the characterisation and reiterating its stance that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory.
Indian authorities on Thursday removed safety barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, a day after Pakistan took similar action outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah distanced himself from the controversy, saying it was a matter between Pakistan and the United States.
Gor also indicated that Washington may reconsider its 'Do not travel' advisory for the region, citing improved security under the central government and the J&K administration. He arrived in Leh on Thursday for the Ladakh leg of his visit, where he is scheduled to visit the Indian Army's Fire & Fury Corps headquarters on Friday.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Pro-government sources like India TV News frame Gor's remark as a diplomatic victory validating India's position, while neutral reports from Deccan Chronicle and Greater Kashmir focus on Pakistan's protest and Omar Abdullah's refusal to engage. DW adds context by reporting reciprocal removal of barricades, underscoring the tit-for-tat escalation. All sources agree on the core facts: Pakistan summoned the US envoy, and Gor's itinerary includes a Ladakh security briefing on Friday. The measured read is that the US administration has not changed its policy, Gor's remark reflects his ambassadorial role to India, not a shift in Washington's Kashmir stance.
Coverage: 4 sources, 1 pro-government, 3 neutral
Sources (4): greaterkashmir.com (neutral report), dw.com (neutral report), indiatvnews.com (pro government), deccanchronicle.com (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
