India Firmly Rebuffs China-Pakistan References to Kashmir and Ladakh

India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement by China and Pakistan. The statement, issued following talks in Beijing, recognized disputed territories that India asserts as integral parts. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India's firm stance on its sovereignty over these regions.

In a decisive statement, India has repudiated what it calls 'unwarranted' references to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent China-Pakistan joint declaration.

The declaration was made following discussions between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, dated June 7.

'We have noted unwarranted references to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the joint statement between China and Pakistan of June 7. We categorically reject such references,' stated External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

'Our position on the issue is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,' he continued.

Jaiswal’s comments came in response to a media query regarding the China-Pakistan joint statement.

'No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same,' Jaiswal emphasized.

The spokesperson also addressed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) highlighted in the joint statement.

'The same joint statement also mentions activities and projects under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), some of which are in India's sovereign territory under forcible and illegal occupation by Pakistan,' he elaborated.

'We resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimize Pakistan's illegal occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity,' Jaiswal asserted.