U.S. Ambassador Gor Calls Kashmir an Important Part of India
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U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an "important part of India" during an August 19 visit. Pakistan summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker to protest the remarks, calling them irresponsible. India's foreign ministry reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India.
Key Facts
- U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Kashmir on August 19, the first standalone visit by a U.S. ambassador since India revoked the region's special status in August 2019.
- Pakistan's foreign office strongly condemned Gor's remarks and summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker to lodge a protest.
- India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India.
- Gor said the U.S. was examining the possibility of downgrading a travel advisory warning against travel to Jammu and Kashmir.
Ambassador's Visit and Remarks
U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Kashmir on August 19, marking the first standalone visit by a U.S. ambassador since India revoked the region's special status in August 2019. Gor met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other local leaders during the visit. He told reporters that Kashmir is an important part of India and that he looked forward to building the relationship forward. Gor also said the U.S. was examining the possibility of downgrading a travel advisory warning against travel to Jammu and Kashmir, citing improvements in the security environment.
Pakistan's Reaction
Pakistan's foreign office strongly condemned and categorically rejected Gor's characterization of Indian-administered Kashmir as a part of India. Pakistan summoned U.S. Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker to lodge a protest against the remarks. The foreign office described Gor's remarks as irresponsible and said they negated the long-standing U.S. position on the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan urged the U.S. to ensure its public statements take into account the disputed status of the region.
Indian Government Response
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. The Indian government's reaction to Gor's statements was guarded, neither welcoming nor dismissing the comments. Amitabh Mattoo, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said this was the first time a U.S. ambassador had made such a statement and that it indicated a shift in the U.S. position.
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U.S. Ambassador Gor Calls Kashmir an Important Part of India
