'Kashmir Is Our Integral Part': India Hits Back At Reference To J-K In China-Pakistan Joint Statement

India hit back at China and Pakistan for mentioning Kashmir in a joint statement issued after the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday said, "We reject the reference to Jammu & Kashmir in the Joint Statement issued by China and Pakistan after the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister. Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India."

"On the other hand, India has consistently expressed concerns to both China and Pakistan on the projects in so-called 'China Pakistan Economic Corridor', which is in the territory of India that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947," MEA said.

"India is resolutely opposed to any actions by other countries to change the status quo in Pakistan occupied J&K. We call on the parties concerned to cease such actions," it added.

Pakistan and China on Sunday discussed the Kashmir issue and underlined the need to settle disputes in the region through dialogue on the basis of mutual respect and equality, as Beijing reaffirmed its support for its all-weather ally in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a joint press release issued at the conclusion of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s two-day visit to Pakistan, the two countries emphasised that their all-weather strategic ties would remain unaffected by any regional or international situation.

(With PTI inputs)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India, said MEA
• India agains raised concerns over 'China Pakistan Economic Corridor'
• Pakistan and China had discussed the Kashmir issue on Sunday