New Delhi: The Union government on Saturday reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral and inalienable part of India, the External Affairs Ministry said during a media briefing in the national capital.
PoJK, cross-border terrorism and international focus
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the issues that should concern the international community are the atrocities being perpetrated in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and the use of PoJK for cross-border terrorism. The remarks underlined New Delhi’s continued emphasis on the situation across the Line of Control when discussing Jammu and Kashmir internationally.
"The issues that should concern the international community are the atrocities currently being perpetrated in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the use of PoJK for cross-border terrorism," the spokesperson said.
Engagement with Afghanistan
On relations with Afghanistan, Mr Jaiswal noted that India has had several engagements with Afghanistan in the last few months. He highlighted a series of ministerial visits from Afghanistan to India and said these interactions have strengthened partnership in areas including development, cooperation, trade and connectivity. The spokesperson added that India has long-standing ties with Afghanistan and looks forward to further strengthening them.
Diesel supply request from Bangladesh
Responding to a query on Bangladesh seeking additional diesel amid an energy crunch, Mr Jaiswal said India has an ongoing arrangement with Dhaka for the supply of diesel. He said the additional request will be examined taking into account India’s own requirements, refining capacity and the availability of diesel within the country.
Invitation to Bangladesh leader and BRICS outreach
The spokesperson said India has extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman, for a bilateral visit. He added that an invitation has also been sent for Mr Rahman to attend the outreach session of the BRICS Summit, signalling New Delhi’s intent to engage Dhaka at multiple diplomatic levels.
Domestic legislative matters and other international items
On the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), Mr Jaiswal reiterated that legislative matters concerning India are internal and will be decided by Parliament. He also addressed remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin about India’s interest in Russia’s Northern Sea Route, saying that India’s cooperation with Russia is multi-faceted and that connectivity is an important element of that partnership.
Humanitarian response
The spokesperson conveyed India’s condolences for lives lost in the earthquake in Colombia and said New Delhi had sent 20 metric tonnes of relief material, including medical supplies and equipment, to assist post-earthquake relief efforts.
| Issue | Main point |
|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh | Reiterated as inalienable and integral parts of India |
| Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoJK) | Highlighted atrocities and use for cross-border terrorism |
| Afghanistan | Several recent engagements; ministerial visits; cooperation on development, trade, connectivity |
| Bangladesh | Ongoing diesel supply arrangement; additional request to be examined |
| Russia | Cooperation multi-faceted; connectivity noted, including Northern Sea Route interest |
| Colombia earthquake | 20 metric tonnes of relief material dispatched |
What it means for Ladakh
For Ladakh, the reaffirmation that the Union Territory is an inalienable part of India reinforces New Delhi’s stated territorial position amid ongoing regional tensions. The emphasis on PoJK and cross-border terrorism is relevant to security considerations in the wider region. Continued engagement with Afghanistan on connectivity and development could have indirect implications for regional infrastructure and strategic cooperation, though the spokesperson did not announce any specific projects or timelines during the briefing.
The government’s approach to requests for energy supplies, such as diesel for Bangladesh, was presented as dependent on domestic availability and refining capacity—factors that can shape export and assistance decisions but were not quantified at the briefing.
- Reaffirmation of territorial claim: J&K and Ladakh remain an explicit priority in India’s external messaging.
- Security focus: PoJK and cross-border terrorism were highlighted as matters for international concern.
- Diplomatic outreach: Recent ministerial visits from Afghanistan and invitations to Bangladeshi leadership indicate active regional engagement.
All comments were made by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson during the briefing in New Delhi and reflect the official positions articulated at that session.
