Pakistan has summoned the US chargé d’affaires in Islamabad after Sergio Gore’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir and his remarks about the region’s status. Gore, the US ambassador to India and the US special envoy for South and Central Asia, travelled to Srinagar on Wednesday and met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Following the meeting, Gore told journalists that Jammu and Kashmir was an important part of India. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry objected to that description, calling the statements factually incorrect and formally registering a strong protest with the American diplomat.
Pakistan rejected the characterization of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India. Its position, as set out by the Foreign Ministry, is that the region remains an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final settlement should reflect relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
India regards Jammu and Kashmir as an integral part of the country, while Pakistan supports United Nations involvement in resolving the dispute. The issue has remained a continuing source of tension between the two countries.
The disagreement followed a visit that focused on relations between Jammu and Kashmir and the United States. Abdullah and Gore discussed stronger economic cooperation and possible areas of mutual benefit. Abdullah later said the conversation included tourism, horticulture and the new economy, and expressed hope that engagement between the region and the United States would deepen in the coming years.
Abdullah has also said that the region’s problems should be addressed by India’s central government, rather than through complaints to another country. He indicated that discussions involving Washington, New Delhi and his administration could continue through the relevant channels.
Gore’s visit also brought attention to the US travel advisory for India. The US State Department has a Level 2 advisory for India overall, while Jammu and Kashmir and some other areas are covered by a Level 4 warning. The warning advises US citizens not to travel to Jammu and Kashmir because of the risk of terrorism and civil unrest.
In Srinagar, Gore said the advisory was reviewed periodically and that the United States would examine whether it should be reduced. He pointed to steps taken by New Delhi, the chief minister and the local government to improve safety, while noting that he was not making a major announcement during the visit.
Gore became US ambassador to India in January and has since travelled to several Indian states. His Srinagar visit and the wording used about Jammu and Kashmir have prompted discussion on social media and commentary from political figures, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who had called for the travel warning to be reviewed and withdrawn.
