Pakistan has summoned a senior US diplomat in Islamabad and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over remarks made by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” during his visit to Srinagar.
The diplomatic row erupted after Gor made the comments during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir as the US ambassador to India. Pakistan said the remarks were inconsistent with its position on the disputed territory and registered what it described as a strong demarche with the US mission in Islamabad.
What Did Sergio Gor Say?
During his visit to Srinagar, Sergio Gor met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and spoke about the importance of the region. Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as “an important part of India” and also praised its natural beauty.
The US ambassador reportedly said that Washington would review its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir in light of what he described as improvements in the security situation. His visit was significant as he became one of the first senior US diplomatic representatives in recent years to make such a high-profile visit to the Union Territory.
Pakistan Registers Strong Protest
Pakistan’s Foreign Office responded sharply to Gor’s statement, summoning the US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad to formally convey its objections.
Islamabad described the ambassador’s characterisation of Jammu and Kashmir as factually incorrect and argued that it contradicted Pakistan’s understanding of the region’s status and Washington’s stated position on the Kashmir dispute. Pakistan said the issue remains disputed and should be addressed in accordance with relevant international commitments and its interpretation of UN resolutions.
Why Is the Remark Significant?
Gor’s statement attracted attention because US officials have traditionally been careful in their public language on the Kashmir issue. Pakistan viewed the reference to Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” as a departure from what it considers Washington’s established position.
For India, however, Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country, and New Delhi has consistently maintained that matters concerning the Union Territory are internal issues. India has also maintained that outstanding issues with Pakistan must be addressed bilaterally.
Pakistan Objects to Possible Change in US Travel Advisory
Another important aspect of Gor’s Srinagar visit was his indication that the United States could reassess its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir.
Gor’s comments suggested that improved security conditions could lead Washington to reconsider its guidance for American travellers. Pakistan also raised objections in the broader context of its diplomatic protest over the ambassador’s public remarks on the region.
A Fresh Diplomatic Flashpoint
The episode highlights how sensitive public statements on Jammu and Kashmir remain in relations involving India, Pakistan and international powers.
While Gor’s comments have been welcomed in India as a significant public acknowledgement of Jammu and Kashmir’s place within India, Pakistan has responded with a formal diplomatic protest. The development has once again placed the Kashmir issue at the centre of regional diplomacy.
The US has not indicated that Pakistan’s protest has resulted in any immediate change to Gor’s remarks or announced position. Attention will now be on whether Washington issues further clarification and whether the diplomatic exchange affects the wider India-US-Pakistan relationship.
