The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday dismissed Pakistan’s reaction to US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, describing Islamabad’s move as “frustration”.

The MEA spokesperson Jaiswal, during the bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, reiterated that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral and indivisible parts of India.

He emphasised that they were, they are, and they will remain so. He added that there was no reason to comment further on Pakistan’s protest.

Pakistan had summoned the US Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad on Wednesday to lodge a protest against Gor’s statement. Islamabad claimed that his remarks were factually incorrect and contradicted Washington’s longstanding position on Kashmir.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry insisted that Jammu and Kashmir’s status was still awaiting final disposition under relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded on Thursday, saying that the summoning of a US diplomat by Islamabad was an issue strictly between Pakistan and the United States. He did not see it as a matter requiring India’s involvement.

Sergio Gor, during his visit to Srinagar, described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India. 

This was his first standalone visit to the Union Territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and the Pakistan-backed terror attack in Pahalgam in 2025.

His remarks carried weight as they came during a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which he described as very good and cordial, with follow-up discussions planned in Washington and New Delhi.

Gor commended the security efforts undertaken by the Union Territory administration and the Centre to make Jammu and Kashmir safer. He signalled a possible shift in Washington’s stance by suggesting that the United States may re-evaluate its travel advisory for the region. Currently, the US has a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory in place for Jammu and Kashmir.

The envoy said that incredible steps had been taken to improve safety in the region. He explained that the United States periodically reviews its travel warnings and that while he could not make any major announcements immediately, the advisory for Jammu and Kashmir would be looked at closely. He noted that the Government of India and the local administration had made significant progress in ensuring security.

Gor added that Jammu and Kashmir was a beautiful area with immense potential for tourism. He expressed hope that many Americans would enjoy visiting the region to experience its beauty and opportunities. He stressed that the US would consider whether the current travel warning should be downgraded, reflecting the improved security situation.

The MEA’s firm dismissal of Pakistan’s protest underscored India’s consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh, are inseparable parts of the country. The episode highlighted the growing diplomatic engagement between India and the United States, while Pakistan’s objections were brushed aside as irrelevant by New Delhi.

ANI