US ambassador to India causes diplomatic firestorm with Kashmir comment

The Foreign Office in Pakistan summoned the US charge d’affaires in Islamabad on Wednesday to lodge a "strong demarche" over what the FO deemed "factually incorrect remarks" made by the US ambassador to India concerning the status of Jammu and Kashmir. In the statement, the FO firmly condemned the ambassador's characterization of Jammu and Kashmir as "a part of India."

The statement emphasized that the disputed territory is internationally recognized and awaiting a resolution in alignment with UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri populace. The FO highlighted that the ambassador's "irresponsible statement" contradicts the long-standing position of the United States on the Kashmir dispute and breaches US commitments to international law and the UN Charter.

While appreciating US President Donald Trump's previous offer to mediate the Kashmir issue between Pakistan and India, the FO urged the US to ensure consistency in its public statements with the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. The offer was made as far back as Trump's first term, with the President stating in 2019 that he was willing to intervene if both countries desired his assistance.

However, India rejected the offer at the time. In 2025, following the Marka-i-Haq incident, the US State Department reiterated Trump's offer, stating that each step he takes is aimed at resolving generational differences between countries. Trump had proposed working on the Kashmir issue after he facilitated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following their most severe military conflict in decades.

The US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, confirmed that while she could not disclose Trump's plans, the White House would provide further details on the matter.