India on Tuesday strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by Pakistan and China, reiterating that the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are an “integral and inalienable” part of the country. New Delhi also renewed its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) illegal.

The response came after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, during which both countries discussed strengthening strategic cooperation and accelerating work under CPEC. The joint statement also mentioned the Kashmir issue, prompting a sharp reaction from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently opposed any references to Jammu and Kashmir by foreign nations and rejected China and Pakistan’s remarks on the matter. He further stated that no country has the right to interfere in India’s internal affairs. India also objected to renewed support for CPEC, a major infrastructure and connectivity project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). New Delhi has long maintained that the corridor violates India’s sovereignty because it passes through parts of PoK claimed by India.

Officials said India's position on CPEC remains unchanged and any third-country activities in the region are “unacceptable.” The corridor includes a network of roads, railways, energy projects, and the development of Gwadar Port in Pakistan. The latest joint statement reportedly emphasized expanding cooperation under the next phase of CPEC, often referred to as “CPEC 2.0,” focusing on industrial growth, technology, agriculture, and regional connectivity.

Apart from Kashmir and CPEC, India also took note of references to “trans-boundary water cooperation” between China and Pakistan. Analysts believe the mention could have broader strategic implications amid growing regional concerns over water security and resource management in South Asia.

The diplomatic exchange once again highlights the continuing tensions between India, Pakistan, and China over Kashmir and regional infrastructure projects. Since the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, India has repeatedly dismissed statements from Pakistan and China on the issue, while Beijing and Islamabad have continued coordinating their positions on regional matters.

Experts say the latest development reflects the deepening strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, particularly in economic and infrastructure cooperation, while also underscoring India’s firm stance on territorial sovereignty. Despite the strong reactions, observers believe all sides are likely to continue diplomatic engagement while maintaining their respective positions on Kashmir and CPEC.