‘J&K, Ladakh Integral Part’: India Slams China-Pakistan Statement On Kashmir; Opposes CPEC

Last Updated:May 27, 2026, 07:48 IST

India reiterated its opposition to the “so-called” China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects running through its territory.

India has sharply rejected the latest joint statement issued by China and Pakistan  after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Beijing visit, rejecting its references to Jammu and Kashmir and reiterating its strong opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Ministry of External Affairs said Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India and warned against any attempt to legitimise Pakistan’s control over territories claimed by New Delhi.

New Delhi also objected to references regarding “trans-boundary water resources cooperation" between China and Pakistan, saying the two countries do not share any boundary.

What MEA said on Jammu and Kashmir?

Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “categorically rejects" the references made in the China-Pakistan statement.

“India’s position is consistent and well known to the concerned parties. The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India," Jaiswal said.

He added that no other country had the “locus standi" to comment on the matter.

The sharp response came after China and Pakistan referred to developments in Jammu and Kashmir in their joint statement issued at the end of Sharif’s China visit from May 23 to 26.

India opposes CPEC projects

India also reiterated its opposition to the “so-called" China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects running through territory claimed by India.

“As regards the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, some of which are in India’s sovereign territory, we resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation of these territories," the MEA said.

India stated that such projects affect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The government added that its concerns had been conveyed several times to both Pakistani and Chinese authorities. India also referred to Pakistan’s 1963 agreement with China involving the Shaksgam Valley area. MEA said Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 square kilometres of territory in the valley to China under that agreement.

What is “trans-boundary water resources cooperation"?

Another major issue raised by India was the mention of “trans-boundary water resources cooperation" between China and Pakistan in the joint statement.

The MEA rejected the idea and said the two countries did not share a direct boundary. “As the two countries do not share any boundary, the question of so-called trans-boundary water resources cooperation does not arise," Jaiswal said.

India also stated that it had never recognised the 1963 boundary agreement signed between China and Pakistan. The issue has gained attention because rivers flowing between China and Pakistan pass through Indian territory.

What the China-Pakistan statement said?

The joint statement was issued after meetings between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Both sides said they had reached a new broad consensus on deepening the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Sharif also attended celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

According to the statement, Pakistan briefed China on the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, while China said the issue should be resolved according to the UN Charter. The two countries also expressed readiness to carry out “trans-boundary water resources cooperation", though no details were provided.

What this means?

The references to Jammu and Kashmir and water cooperation are being viewed as signs that Beijing wants to continue backing Islamabad on key strategic issues.

At the same time, Pakistan again reaffirmed its support for the “One China Policy", under which Taiwan is recognised as part of China.

Experts believe the developments underline China’s continued support for Pakistan, including its strategic interest in projects such as Gwadar port in the North Arabian Sea.

India, meanwhile, has maintained its opposition to CPEC and repeatedly raised concerns over projects passing through territory it claims as its own.

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