India protests Erdogan's Kashmir remarks during Pakistan visit
What's the story
India has protested formally to the Turkish ambassador in New Delhi over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks on Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stressed that Jammu and Kashmir are "integral parts of India," and any comments on India's territorial integrity are "unacceptable."
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We reject such objectionable comments on matters that are internal to India."
Security concerns
India criticizes Erdogan's silence on Pakistan's cross-border terrorism
The Indian government also slammed Erdogan for failing to mention Pakistan's role in "cross-border terrorism" against India.
The MEA hinted that Erdogan should have pointed out Pakistan's policy, which is a major threat to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Erdogan made these remarks during a media interaction with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, where he pushed for dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue as per UN resolutions.
Diplomatic tensions
Erdogan's comments break 2-year silence on Kashmir issue
Erdogan's comments came after almost two years of silence on the Kashmir issue, during which he had avoided mentioning it at international forums such as the UN General Assembly.
Responding to Pakistan's parliament passing a resolution asking India to hold a plebiscite in Kashmir, Jaiswal had reiterated that "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, it always has been, and it will remain so."
Regional cooperation
MEA addresses Bangladesh's call to revive SAARC
The MEA also responded to Bangladesh's interim government's calls to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Jaiswal cautioned against normalizing terrorism and said Bangladesh's efforts could unintentionally bolster such activities.
SAARS has remained dormant since 2016 when India pulled out of its summit after a terrorist attack on an army camp in Kashmir by Pakistan-based militants.
Jaiswal said that certain remarks made by de facto ministers in Bangladesh's interim government were "not helpful."