US India ambassador’s Kashmir remarks rile Pakistan; envoy summoned

Pakistan Summons US Envoy Over Kashmir Remarks, Reigniting Diplomatic Tensions

Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with the United States after Washington’s top envoy to New Delhi, Sergio Gor, declared disputed Kashmir "an important part of India." The provocative statement has reignited long-standing tensions surrounding the contested territory, prompting Islamabad to summon the US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad and issue a scathing condemnation.

In a late Wednesday statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that a "strong demarche was lodged over the factually incorrect remarks of US Ambassador to India, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir." The ministry underscored its unwavering stance, asserting that "Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory."

The comments from Ambassador Gor were made during a visit to Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir. Addressing reporters, he stated, "this is an important part of India," adding that he had a "very good meeting" with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Gor expressed optimism about strengthening ties, noting, "We have some follow-ups, so we hope to take back to Washington, back to Delhi… and we look forward to building this relationship forward."

However, Pakistan views such declarations as a significant deviation from the internationally accepted understanding of Kashmir’s status. The Muslim-majority territory has been a flashpoint of bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both nuclear-armed nations claim the region in its entirety, leading to multiple conflicts and an enduring military standoff.

This diplomatic spat comes amidst a period of heightened friction between India and Pakistan. The two South Asian rivals recently engaged in a series of intense exchanges following a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025. New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the attack, a charge Pakistan vehemently denies. The subsequent month saw significant drone, missile, and artillery exchanges, resulting in the deaths of nearly 70 people on both sides.

Adding to the complexities, the latest conflict between the neighbors also involves Delhi’s suspension of its involvement in the Indus Waters Treaty, a critical water-sharing agreement mediated by the World Bank. Pakistan has consistently called for international intervention to resolve the Kashmir dispute, while India maintains it is a bilateral issue.

The US ambassador’s remarks are likely to be perceived in Pakistan as a direct endorsement of India’s position on Kashmir, potentially complicating Washington’s efforts to maintain neutrality in the volatile region. This incident underscores the deeply entrenched and sensitive nature of the Kashmir issue and its far-reaching implications for regional stability.