Sergio Gor’s remark, Pakistan’s protest, and the changing US stance on Kashmir

On August 19, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor called Jammu and Kashmir an "important part of India", prompting Pakistan to formally protest against the statement. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry expressed concern, stating that the US Ambassador's remarks contradicted the United States' commitment to the supremacy of international law and the UN Charter.

This development occurs amid the strengthening of ties between Pakistan and the US, with Islamabad endorsing US mediation efforts and Pakistan mediating between the US and Iran. Gor, considered close to former US President Donald Trump, also serves as the Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, responsible for overseeing US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The United States' official stance on Jammu and Kashmir has evolved over time, influenced by Washington's strategic objectives. Initially, the US favored a bilateral resolution but supported UN involvement if necessary. When India took the issue to the UN, the US and UK sided with Pakistan, despite initial opposition. During the Cold War, the US continued to support Pakistan due to its strategic location, accepting Pakistan's position that Kashmir remained a disputed territory.

However, since the end of the Cold War, the US has largely abandoned public support for a plebiscite, with US administrations criticizing India's human rights record in Kashmir and blaming Pakistan for aggression in the Kargil War.