Brussels should not echo Islamabad’s narrative on Kashmir: Gaurav

J&K is India’s internal matter, EU-Pak references unacceptable: Gaurav

Jammu, June 4: BJP Spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta, has strongly condemned the reference to Jammu & Kashmir in the recent joint statement issued after the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, terming it an unwarranted intrusion into India’s internal affairs and a diplomatic victory parade orchestrated by Pakistan.

Gupta said the European Union’s decision to allow Pakistan to drag Jammu & Kashmir into a joint communiqué is both disappointing and contrary to the established position that bilateral issues between India and Pakistan must be addressed without third-party interference.

“The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India. No amount of statements issued from Islamabad or Brussels can alter this reality. The Government of India has rightly rejected these unwarranted references, and the EU must understand that it has absolutely no locus standi to comment on India’s sovereign internal matters,” Gupta said. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has categorically rejected the references and reiterated that those with no locus standi should refrain from commenting on such issues.

The BJP leader questioned the wisdom of engaging Pakistan on Kashmir while remaining largely silent on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism that continues to threaten regional peace and stability.

“It is astonishing that Pakistan, a country repeatedly accused of nurturing terrorist infrastructure and exporting extremism across borders, is being allowed to project itself as a champion of peace and dialogue. Before lecturing anyone on conflict resolution, Pakistan should explain its continued patronage of terror networks operating from its soil,” Gupta remarked.

He further said that the EU’s willingness to entertain Pakistan’s narrative on Jammu & Kashmir ignores the remarkable transformation witnessed in the region since the abrogation of Article 370. According to Gupta, J&K today is witnessing unprecedented development, infrastructure growth, investment, tourism and grassroots democratic participation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gupta also expressed concern that such statements embolden Pakistan’s long-standing agenda of internationalising the Jammu & Kashmir issue despite repeated global acknowledgment that the matter is bilateral and that terrorism remains the principal obstacle to peace.

“Pakistan has mastered the art of presenting itself as a victim before international forums while simultaneously providing space to extremist elements. The world must not fall into this trap. Any discussion on regional stability is incomplete without addressing Pakistan’s record on cross-border terrorism,” he said.

Taking a swipe at Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, Gupta said Pakistan is desperately seeking international relevance by resurrecting the Kashmir narrative every time it faces political, economic or credibility crises at home.

“The people of Jammu & Kashmir have decisively rejected separatism and embraced development. Those sitting in Islamabad and attempting to speak on behalf of the people of J&K should first focus on the condition of democracy, minorities and human rights within Pakistan itself,” he added.

Gupta urged the European Union to engage India on the basis of mutual respect, strategic partnership and recognition of India’s sovereignty rather than lending legitimacy to Pakistan’s propaganda.

“India-EU relations are built on shared democratic values and strategic interests. The EU should not allow Pakistan to misuse diplomatic platforms for pushing an outdated and rejected agenda. Jammu & Kashmir is, was and will always remain an inseparable part of India,” Gupta asserted.