New Delhi: India on Saturday categorically again rejected reference to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the joint press release of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ strategic dialogue and expected the two neighbouring countries to not interfere in its internal matters.
In response to a media query, Ministry of external affairs spokesman Anurag Srivastava said, “As in the past, we categorically reject the reference to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in the Joint Press Release of the 2nd Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue.”
“The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India and we expect the parties concerned to not to interfere in matters that are internal affairs of India,” he said.
Reiterating its consistent position on the so-called “China Pakistan Economic Corridor,” the spokesperson said India has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to both China and to Pakistan on the projects in so called China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which are in the territory of India that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan.
“We resolutely oppose actions by other countries that change the status quo in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir and call on the parties concerned to cease such actions,” Mr Srivastava added.
During their 2nd annual strategic dialogue on Friday, China and Pakistan discussed ways to enhance their all-weather bilateral ties, the Kashmir issue, progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Afghan peace process.
The meeting was held in the southern Chinese island resort of Hainan. It was attended by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
In their joint statement, it said, “both sides underlined that a peaceful, stable, cooperative and prosperous South Asia was in common interest of all parties. Parties need to settle disputes and issues in the region through dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”
“The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the situation in Jammu & Kashmir, including its concerns, position and current urgent issues,” it said.
“The Chinese side reiterated that the Kashmir issue is a dispute left over from history between India and Pakistan, which is an objective fact, and that the dispute should be resolved peacefully and properly through the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral actions that complicate the situation”, the joint press release said.
India has been maintaining that China has no locus standi in commenting on Jammu and Kashmir.
