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New Delhi has strongly condemned a joint press communiqué released after the 8th meeting of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad on 1st June. The ministry of external affairs flatly rebutted mentions of Jammu and Kashmir, saying they are “unwarranted” when it comes to the state's internal affairs.

In a statement, Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of MEA, stated that the UT of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh are ‘inalienable' and ‘indivisible' parts of India. He further added that such persons who have not got 'locus standi' on the question should not comment on it.

The joint statement had affirmed that Pakistan was briefed on J&K and also had matters relating to the Ukraine conflict on the table, where peacemaking resolutions were called for on the principle of the UN. India considers the Kashmir issue and the unauthorized mediation of the conflict in Kashmir a bilateral problem between India and Pakistan and refuses to allow any third party to have any involvement.

In the background is India's steadfast position since the removal of special status for Kashmir under Article 370 was done in 2019, given the current sensitivities with regard to its diplomatic relations.