VOI World/ Desk
India protests EU-Pakistan reference on Jammu and Kashmir after the European Union and Pakistan issued a joint statement that included references to the Kashmir issue, prompting a strong response from New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it had conveyed its objections to the European Union at both diplomatic and senior official levels. India expressed concern over references made to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent EU-Pakistan joint statement and rejected any suggestion that external entities have a role in matters related to the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the references as “unwarranted” and “unacceptable,” reiterating India’s long-standing position that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. He also stated that no external party has any standing to comment on issues related to India’s sovereignty or internal affairs.
The diplomatic disagreement emerged after the EU and Pakistan held a high-level engagement that included discussions on regional security and cooperation. Reports indicate that the joint statement contained references to Jammu and Kashmir that New Delhi viewed as inconsistent with its stated position on the matter.
India has maintained that all outstanding issues with Pakistan should be addressed bilaterally and has consistently opposed third-party involvement in matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir. The government has also repeatedly emphasised that cross-border terrorism remains the primary issue affecting relations between the two countries.
The development comes even as India and the European Union continue to expand cooperation across trade, technology, security and connectivity. Both sides are currently engaged in negotiations aimed at strengthening economic and strategic ties, making the latest diplomatic friction notable against the backdrop of otherwise growing relations.
India protests EU-Pakistan reference on Jammu and Kashmir at a time when New Delhi is seeking deeper engagement with European partners while continuing to firmly defend its position on issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
