U.S. envoy Sergio Gor’s J&K remarks evoke mixed reactions

Srinagar

U.S. ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s remarks that “J&K is an important part of India” evoked mixed reactions from political parties in the Union Territory (UT) on Thursday (August 21, 2026).

“The U.S. should not be taken so seriously and not be India’s master. It was not the first such visit of the U.S. ambassador. Before 2019, such an envoy would meet all the stakeholders in Kashmir. However, after 2019, such tours are curated,” said former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti.

She was quick to add, “I agree with (Chief Minister) Omar Abdullah that the issues of J&K will be resolved by New Delhi and not Washington. However, this was an occasion to express displeasure of the people of J&K over the killings of children and leadership of Iran.”

Ms. Mufti also took potshots at Mr. Abdullah over “failing to raise the issue of terminations of employees, raids and the choking atmosphere prevalent in Kashmir”.

J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari termed Mr. Gor’s Kashmir remarks as “highly significant”.

“It reflects Washington’s acknowledgement of India’s position on J&K. One hopes that Mr. Gor’s remarks will also help raise awareness in our country and strengthen the case for ensuring that J&K receives the rights, attention, and recognition it deserves as an equal and important part of the nation,” said Mr. Bukhari.

Mr. Bukhari said Mr. Gor’s indication that Washington could review its travel advisory for J&K “reflected a recognition of the positive changes taking place on the ground in J&K.

CPI(M) legislator M.Y. Tarigami said he does not attach much significance to the visit. “Indeed, the peace in the entire world has a threat from imperialist America. It’s evident to us what is happening in Palestine. Tariff deals between India and the U.S. are lopsided and India’s move to purchase cheap oil from Russia is being interfered with,” said Mr. Tarigami.  

Congress legislator Tariq Hameed Karra said the U.S. ambassador said “nothing new”.

“J&K was, is and will remain an integral part of India,” said Mr. Karra.

J&K BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur termed the U.S. ambassador’s stand as “a major diplomatic achievement for India”.

“The envoy’s acknowledgement of J&K as an ‘important part of India’ reflects the success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy. The world is increasingly recognising the ground reality of J&K, and Pakistan’s propaganda stands exposed,” said Mr. Thakur.

Mr. Thakur said those who once projected Kashmir to the world as a region of perpetual unrest must now answer why a senior American diplomat can visit Srinagar, meet the elected Chief Minister, travel freely and publicly acknowledge J&K as an important part of India. “This is new J&K,” he added.

Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while commenting on Pakistan’s decision to summon a U.S. diplomat following Mr. Gor’s remarks, said, “That is a matter between Pakistan and the U.S. I don’t think I have anything to say on that.”