India Objects After Kashmir Shown As Part Of Pakistan At Bangladesh Seminar

Dhaka: An uncomfortable situation arose during an international seminar organised in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, when the map shown in the presentation showed Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Pakistan. The Indian representative present at the event expressed strong objection upon seeing this and sought immediate clarification from the organisers. After this incident, for some time the entire focus of the programme came on this issue.

How did the controversy start?

The event was organised by the Dhaka-based 'Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies' (BIISS). In this seminar organised on foreign policy and regional security, former ambassador of Bangladesh Tariq A. Karim was the keynote speaker. During his address, he showed a slide in which the map used showed Jammu and Kashmir as a part of Pakistan instead of India.

As soon as this slide appeared on the screen, Indian High Commission official Pooja Kumari Jha, who was present at the event, immediately lodged an objection to it.

What objection did India raise?

The Indian official clearly said that the map presented does not match the actual facts. He bluntly said that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and indivisible part of India and showing it differently on any international platform cannot be accepted. There was also a demand from the Indian side to bring this mistake on record.

What explanation did the speaker give?

After the objection of the Indian representative, former Ambassador Tariq A. Karim immediately clarified his point. He said the map used in the presentation was only to provide context and was not intended to determine or comment on the official boundaries of any country. He also said that it was not intended to question anyone's sovereignty.

Why does India immediately protest in such matters?

India has been keeping its stand clear on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir for a long time. It is the policy of the Ministry of External Affairs that if India's borders are shown incorrectly in any international event, document or presentation, Indian authorities immediately lodge an official objection. Its objective is to ensure that there is no confusion about India's official position on international forums.

What could be the impact on India-Bangladesh relations?

India and Bangladesh have strong cooperation in many areas such as trade, security and connectivity. However, such a lapse on a sensitive issue like Kashmir could create unnecessary diplomatic discomfort between the two countries. Therefore, India immediately presented its stand in this matter and made it clear that any kind of negligence on issues related to its territorial integrity will not be accepted.