New Delhi, August 21, 2026 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s reaction to recent remarks by US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Jammu and Kashmir, saying there was no reason for India to comment on Islamabad’s “frustration” and firmly reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India.
Addressing the MEA’s bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir remained unchanged.
“Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India. They were, they are, and they will remain so,” Jaiswal said.
Responding to a question on Pakistan’s diplomatic protest over the US envoy’s remarks, Jaiswal added that India saw no reason to comment on Islamabad’s reaction.
Pakistan Summons US Diplomat
Pakistan had on Wednesday summoned the US Charge d’Affaires and lodged a diplomatic protest over Gor’s comments describing Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India.”
Islamabad reportedly termed the remarks “factually incorrect” and argued that they contradicted what it described as Washington’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.
The development followed Gor’s visit to Srinagar, where he met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his first standalone visit to the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Omar Abdullah had earlier said that Pakistan’s decision to summon a US diplomat was an issue between Pakistan and the United States.
US Envoy Praises Security Measures
During his Srinagar visit, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” and praised the security and administrative measures taken by the Union Territory administration and the Centre.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Omar Abdullah, Gor said he was pleased to visit the region and described the meeting with the Chief Minister as warm and cordial.
He also indicated that Washington could review its existing travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to what he described as significant steps taken to improve safety in the region.
The US currently maintains a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Jammu and Kashmir.
Gor said the United States periodically reassesses its travel warnings and that officials would examine whether the existing advisory should be downgraded.
Washington Signals Possible Review of Travel Advisory
The US envoy said the administration in New Delhi and the Jammu and Kashmir government had taken what he termed “incredible steps” toward making the region safer.
He added that Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and opportunities could attract more American visitors if the travel advisory situation changes.
Gor’s comments and the subsequent diplomatic exchange have added a fresh dimension to the ongoing India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions surrounding Jammu and Kashmir.
India, however, reiterated its longstanding position unequivocally, with the MEA stating that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are and will remain integral and indivisible parts of India.
