BJP Leader Hails US Ambassador’s J&K Remarks, Says Modi’s Foreign Policy Gets Global Recognition
Srinagar, August 20 (Umer Malik): BJP Jammu & Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Thursday welcomed the visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Srinagar, describing his remarks that Jammu & Kashmir is an “important part of India” as a major diplomatic achievement and a strong reflection of the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
Addressing a press conference, Thakur said the Ambassador’s statement from Srinagar carries considerable diplomatic significance, particularly as Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to internationalise the Jammu & Kashmir issue. Gor made the remarks during his maiden visit to J&K and indicated that Washington would reassess its travel advisory for the region.
“Sergio Gor’s statement that Jammu & Kashmir is an important part of India is a major diplomatic achievement for the country and a clear reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful foreign policy. The world is increasingly recognising the ground reality of J&K, and Pakistan’s propaganda stands exposed,” Thakur said.
He said the significance of the statement was heightened by Gor’s visit to Srinagar, where he witnessed the situation on the ground and moved freely through the city, including enjoying a Shikara ride on Dal Lake.
Thakur said the visit demonstrated the transformation Jammu & Kashmir has undergone in recent years.
The BJP spokesperson also welcomed Gor’s indication that the United States would review its travel warning for Jammu & Kashmir, saying the move could positively impact tourism and the regional economy. Gor said the US periodically reassesses travel warnings and that the advisory for J&K would be examined, including whether it should be downgraded.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the US Ambassador’s decision to look at the travel advisory. Jammu & Kashmir is ready to welcome American and international tourists. A review and possible downgrading of the advisory will send a powerful confidence-building message and can open new opportunities for tourism, investment and employment for our youth,” Thakur said.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for strengthening India’s diplomatic position globally and said the international narrative on J&K increasingly reflects peace, development and democratic governance.
Thakur further said Gor’s visit and comments provided a strong rebuttal to Pakistan’s narrative on J&K, asserting that the region is peaceful, democratic, developing and increasingly connected with the world.
He said Jammu & Kashmir must leverage growing international confidence to accelerate tourism, investment, employment and economic development.
Thakur described Gor’s visit as “a message of confidence in the new Jammu & Kashmir” and expressed hope that it would lead to deeper engagement between J&K and the US in tourism, trade, technology and investment.
He added that the BJP would continue to work towards strengthening peace, development and India’s national interests in Jammu & Kashmir.
