India has issued a strong and unequivocal protest against Pakistan’s decision to hold elections in the so‑called Gilgit‑Baltistan Assembly, calling the move an attempt to legitimise Islamabad’s illegal occupation of Indian territory. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Pakistan has no locus standi to conduct any administrative or electoral exercise in regions that legally belong to India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long‑standing position that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh — including Gilgit‑Baltistan — are integral and inalienable parts of India, following the complete and irrevocable accession of J&K in 1947. India said Pakistan’s actions cannot and will not alter this historical and legal reality.
New Delhi accused Islamabad of using political theatrics to divert attention from serious issues in the areas under its control — including human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation, and denial of basic freedoms. India also warned that any attempt by Pakistan to “bring material change” to these territories is null and void, and must be reversed.
The government emphasised that Pakistan illegally remains in possession of Indian territories and must vacate them immediately. India has consistently opposed all Pakistani attempts to alter the demographic or political character of Gilgit‑Baltistan, calling such moves violations of international norms and the 1948 UN resolutions that require Pakistan to withdraw from occupied areas.
The protest comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed diplomatic friction. India also reminded the international community that Pakistan’s claims over Gilgit‑Baltistan are baseless, and that Islamabad’s continued occupation remains the core issue.