(Pakistan Embassy. Photo by India Tv News)
India has removed security barriers around Pakistan’s diplomatic office in New Delhi, taking out bollards and barricades that surrounded the compound.
Pakistan had done the same thing three days earlier at India’s diplomatic office in Islamabad, in what appears to be a tit-for-tat response as tensions between the two countries remain high.
The countries fought a brief conflict last year and diplomatic relations have stayed strained.
The timing of these moves is particularly sensitive because of recent comments from the American ambassador to India during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
He called the territory an important part of India and praised its natural beauty.
He also suggested the US might reconsider travel warnings for the region, citing improved security efforts.
Pakistan reacted sharply. The government summoned America’s chief diplomat in Islamabad and formally lodged a strong complaint over the ambassador’s remarks.
Pakistan said it strongly rejected describing Jammu and Kashmir as part of India, maintaining that it’s a disputed territory whose future status should be decided by the United Nations and the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan argued the US ambassador’s comments went against America’s long-standing position on the dispute and contradicted Washington’s commitment to international law.
Pakistan also reminded the US that President Trump had offered to mediate between India and Pakistan after their conflict last year.
Islamabad asked Washington to make sure its public statements stay consistent with recognizing Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territory.
These diplomatic moves come at a tense moment in India-Pakistan relations, with both sides responding sharply to anything they see as threatening their interests.
#WATCH | Delhi: Indian authorities dismantle the external security perimeter outside the Pakistan High Commission, removing traffic bollards and barricades that previously ring-fenced the diplomatic compound.
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