The United States envoy Sergio Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an "important part of India" during a visit to Srinagar, according to The Hindu. Gor praised both the central government in Delhi and the local chief minister for their efforts to maintain peace in the region.
The remarks came during Gor's trip to the union territory, where he also indicated that Washington would review its current travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by Telegraph India. The envoy's statements signal a potential shift in how the US officially views the disputed region.
The comments have drawn a sharp response from Pakistan, which summoned a senior US diplomat to lodge a formal protest, according to The Print and The Times of India. Islamabad has long claimed the territory and reacted strongly to any language that affirms Indian sovereignty over it.
The Hindu also reported that the chief minister's comments ahead of the meeting with Gor drew criticism from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), a regional political group. The PDP's objections suggest that the envoy's visit and the accompanying statements have stirred domestic political debate within Jammu and Kashmir.
Gor's characterization of the region as part of India aligns with New Delhi's official position and may be read as a diplomatic endorsement of that stance. The promise to reconsider travel advisories could have practical implications for foreign visitors and businesses eyeing the region.
What to watch next is whether Washington follows through on revising its travel guidance and how Islamabad responds to any further US statements on the territory.
