New Delhi: India on Friday said that the protests observed in various parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are a direct result of Islamabad's ongoing policy of exploiting resources from the region, which remains under its coercive and illegal occupation. The Ministry of External Affairs also emphasised that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and shall always remain integral parts of India.
Violent protests have erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over rising costs of food, fuel, and essential utilities amid Pakistan's severe economic crisis. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the reports during his weekly media briefing, stating, "We have seen reports on protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir", reported PTI.
Responding to a question regarding the protests in (PoK), Randhir Jaiswal said, "We believe that it is a natural consequence of Pakistan's continued policy of systemic plundering of resources from these territories which remain under its forcible and illegal occupation."
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Jaiswal emphasised that such exploitative policies deprive the local people of their rights over their own resources and the benefits thereof. He reiterated India's firm stance, stating, "We reiterate that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are, and shall always remain integral parts of India."
Two days ago, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also reiterated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was, is and will always be part of India.
"I have no doubt in my own mind that someone living in PoK is comparing their situation with someone actually living in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that how is it that people today are actually progressing there", he said.
Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's claim over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), stating that India would not have to resort to force to reclaim it.
"I think India will not have to do anything. The way the ground situation has changed in Jammu and Kashmir, the way the region is witnessing economic progress and the way peace has returned there, I think demands will emerge from people of PoK that they should merge with India", he said.
"We will not have to use force to take PoK as people would say that we must be merged with India. Such demands are now coming", he said. The defence minister asserted that "PoK was, is, and will remain ours".
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India Says Chabahar Port Project Would Benefit Landlocked Afghanistan, Central Asia
Notably, India also said that a broad perspective should be adopted regarding the long-term agreement between New Delhi and Tehran concerning the Chabahar port project, highlighting its potential benefits for landlocked Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the entire region. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's comments followed warnings from the United States regarding potential sanctions after India and Iran finalised the deal. The 10-year agreement, signed on Monday, outlines Indian operations at the Chabahar port.
Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing, India's commitment is to realise the port's potential as a vital connectivity hub for Afghanistan and Central Asian nations, which are landlocked, reported PTI.
Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that India Ports Global Limited has been operating the Chabahar port since 2018 under an interim lease. He emphasised the significance of the recently concluded long-term agreement for the port's operations.
Jaiswal noted India's humanitarian efforts facilitated through the port, including the delivery of 85,000 metric tons of wheat, 200 metric tons of pulses, and 40,000 liters of pesticide Malathion to Afghanistan.
The Chabahar port, situated in Iran's Sistan-Balochistan province on the southern coast, is a joint initiative between India and Afghanistan aimed at enhancing connectivity and trade relations in the region.
Randhir Jaiswal said that the United States has recognised the significance of the Chabahar port operations for facilitating ongoing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and offering economic alternatives to the country. He reiterated the stance expressed earlier by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, emphasising the importance of adopting a comprehensive perspective on the matter.