China's comments on J&K in Pakistan 'uncalled for,' says India
India on Wednesday "rejected" the "uncalled reference" to Jammu and Kashmir by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his speech in Pakistan. India reiterated that J&K remains its internal matter "entirely." "Other countries including China have no locus standi to comment. They should note that India refrains from the public judgment of their internal issues," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.
- China has, time and again, reiterated its support to the stand of Pakistan—its strategic ally—on the matter of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Wang had made the remark in his opening speech at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Pakistan.
- India's rejection of Wang's comment came amid the possibility of his visit to New Delhi within two days.
Speaking at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Pakistan, Yi said, "On Kashmir, we have heard again today the calls of many of our Islamic friends. And China shares the same hope." China is ready to work with Islamic nations to further multipolarity, he said.
Last month, India had rejected references to J&K in a China-Pakistan joint statement, asserting that the region as well as the Union Territory of Ladakh "have been, are and will" remain integral and inalienable parts of India. The joint statement was issued after talks between Chinese President XI Jinping and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 6.
If Wang Yi's visit does take place, it would be the first top-level visit from either country to the other after the deadly clash in Ladakh's Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese troops two years ago. It could also indicate a new beginning of Sino-India bilateral relations with the changing geopolitical dynamics following the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
