J&K is part of India: Indian diplomat corrects map at Bangladesh seminar
India objected to the depiction of an incorrect map of the country during a seminar at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS)
India objected to the depiction of an incorrect map of the country during a seminar at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. The objection came during a presentation by former Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Ahmed Tariq Karim at a seminar titled "Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC" held at the BIISS auditorium on Friday. Read Full Story Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, immediately raised the issue after a map shown during the presentation depicted Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. "Sir, this is an incorrect map. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India," Jha said.
Responding to the intervention, Karim said the map had been used "for representational purposes only" and "doesn't project actual boundaries." Jha acknowledged the clarification but reiterated India's position. "I understand, sir, but Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it is misrepresented here. So I wanted to point it out," she said. Karim then asked whether Jha was from India, following which she introduced herself as an officer from the Indian High Commission. "Point noted," Karim replied before continuing with his presentation. According to the Indian side, India objected to the depiction of the incorrect map and reiterated the country's territorial integrity, stating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. Shortly after Jha's intervention, the former High Commissioner acknowledged the objection and said it had been noted.
Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed attended the event as the chief guest. Speaking at the seminar, Obaed stressed the importance of deeper regional cooperation within South Asia and called for bridging the gap between the region's potential and performance. She outlined measures to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), saying, "The organisation needs stronger implementation capacity, greater financial strength, more effective specialised mechanisms and a practical culture of follow-up." Obaed also said Bangladesh is considering closer coordination with SAARC member states to revive regional engagement. "It is in this spirit that we are considering a calibrated set of confidence-building initiatives in the coming months, subject to consultation with the SAARC member states. They may include engagement with the Ambassadors and High Commissioners of SAARC countries based in Dhaka as well as consultations with the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu regarding the convening of a senior officials meeting and the possibility of a special session of the Council of Ministers," she said.
The BriefWire