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Pakistan summoned Washington’s top envoy in Islamabad and “strongly condemned” remarks by the U.S. ambassador to New Delhi describing disputed Kashmir as “an important part of India,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
“A strong demarche was lodged over the factually incorrect remarks of U.S. Ambassador to India, regarding the status of Jammu and Kashmir,” the ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.
“It was underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory,” it added.
Pakistan summoned the U.S. charge d’affaires in Islamabad after Sergio Gor, the U.S. ambassador to India, made the remarks during his maiden visit to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Gor told reporters in Srinagar that “this is an important part of India” after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“We just had a very good meeting,” Gor said. “We have some follow-ups, so we hope to take back to Washington, back to Delhi ... and we look forward to building this relationship forward.”
He also indicated that Washington could review its travel advisory for the disputed region.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemned and categorically rejected” the characterization of Jammu and Kashmir as part of India.
The ministry said Pakistan considers Jammu and Kashmir an internationally recognized disputed territory whose final status should be determined in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
“It was highlighted that the irresponsible statement by the U.S. ambassador negated the long-standing and well-documented position of the United States on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute, and also ran contrary to the United States’ commitment to the supremacy of international law and the U.N. Charter,” the ministry said.
Pakistan also referred to U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir following last year’s conflict.
Islamabad urged Washington to ensure its public statements remain consistent with the territory’s disputed status.
New Delhi has not yet commented on Islamabad’s reaction to Gor’s remarks.
The divided Muslim-majority territory has been at the center of bitter rivalry between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947.
The latest conflict between the neighbors followed New Delhi’s suspension of its involvement in the Indus Waters Treaty after a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025.
New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the attack, which Pakistan denies.
The two countries engaged in intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges the following month, leaving nearly 70 people dead on both sides.
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