Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday distanced himself from the diplomatic row triggered by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, saying Pakistan’s decision to summon an American diplomat was a matter between Islamabad and Washington. Pakistan summoned the US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad after Gor, during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, referred to the Union Territory as an important part of India. Islamabad objected to the remarks and formally conveyed its concerns to the American side.
Omar stays out of row
Asked about Pakistan’s reaction, Abdullah said the matter concerned Pakistan and the United States and there was little that either he or journalists questioning him could do about it. He said the American ambassador had expressed his position and the subsequent diplomatic exchange was now for Washington and Islamabad to handle. Gor visited Srinagar on Wednesday and met Abdullah as part of his first official trip to Jammu and Kashmir. During the visit, the US envoy spoke positively about developments in the Union Territory and acknowledged efforts by both the Centre and the J&K administration to improve conditions in the region.
His comments on Jammu and Kashmir, however, drew a response from Pakistan, which has traditionally objected to international statements that appear to endorse India's position on the region.
Travel advisory discussed
Gor’s visit also focused on tourism and the possibility of reviewing the United States’ travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir.
The envoy indicated that Washington could reassess its existing advisory in light of changes in the security situation. Such a move would be significant for the Union Territory's tourism industry, which has sought to attract more international visitors.
Foreign travel advisories can influence tourist arrivals as well as decisions by travel companies and insurers. Any relaxation by the US would therefore carry economic as well as symbolic importance for the region.
Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector has faced periodic setbacks because of security concerns, making efforts to rebuild confidence among international travellers an important part of the administration's economic strategy.
Delhi, not Washington
Abdullah had also made his position on foreign involvement clear before meeting Gor. He said issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir had to be addressed with New Delhi rather than through Washington or any other foreign capital.
The Chief Minister's remarks underline his attempt to separate engagement with foreign diplomats on tourism, investment and development from Jammu and Kashmir's political disputes.
India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has rejected attempts to internationalise issues concerning the Union Territory.
Pakistan, meanwhile, continues to dispute India's position and regularly raises Kashmir in bilateral and international forums.
What began as Gor's visit focused substantially on developments and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has consequently produced a fresh diplomatic exchange between Islamabad and Washington. Abdullah, however, has chosen to remain outside that dispute, maintaining that the two countries must deal with the controversy themselves.