MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal
New Delhi: India launched a scathing attack on Pakistan over the situation in Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoJK), declaring that the so-called elections conducted there have become a “humiliating rejection” of the Pakistani establishment amid widespread public unrest, violent repression, and growing resistance against Islamabad’s rule.
Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of unleashing ruthless force against peaceful civilians in PoJK, leading to the deaths of more than 40 people and leaving several others seriously injured. He asserted that the ongoing violence has exposed the true nature of Pakistan’s governance in the illegally occupied territory.
Jaiswal said the recent electoral exercise in PoJK cannot conceal the deep-rooted anger of the local population against the Pakistani establishment. “The so-called elections in Pakistan-occupied J&K stand as a humiliating rejection of the Pakistani establishment,” he said, adding that Islamabad’s response to public dissent has been marked by violent suppression rather than democratic engagement.
According to the MEA, the people of PoJK, faced with what it described as a violent regime, have appealed to international organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings and human rights abuses taking place in the region.
India urged the international community to closely scrutinise Pakistan’s actions and hold it accountable for what it termed as atrocities committed against civilians.
In a sharp criticism of Pakistan’s political leadership, Jaiswal pointed to recent statements made by senior Pakistani officials, saying they have inadvertently exposed Islamabad’s treatment of the people in PoJK. He said Pakistan’s Defence Minister had branded protesting civilians as “enemies,” reflecting the establishment’s “absolute disdain” for innocent people demanding their rights.
The MEA spokesperson further referred to remarks by Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, who reportedly acknowledged that the very “mujahideen” once trained, armed, and deployed by Pakistan to wage proxy warfare against India have now turned against the Pakistani state itself.
“The Special Assistant openly admitted that the very ‘mujahideen’ that the Pakistani establishment trained, armed and sent to bleed India have now turned their guns inward, weaponising themselves against the state,” Jaiswal said.
India said these admissions underline the long-term consequences of Pakistan’s policy of nurturing terrorism.
Reiterating India’s long-standing position, the MEA categorically stated that the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh remain inseparable parts of the country. “The Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh were part of India, are part of India, and will continue to be part of India,” Jaiswal asserted.
He also urged India’s international partners and stakeholders to use the correct nomenclature while referring to these territories and avoid terminology that lends legitimacy to Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Responding to questions regarding Indian nationals serving in the Russian military, Jaiswal said New Delhi continues to engage with Moscow for the release of the remaining Indians who reportedly joined the Russian Army. He informed that sustained diplomatic efforts have already secured the release of 139 Indian nationals. However, around two dozen Indian citizens are believed to still remain with the Russian military.
The MEA once again cautioned Indian citizens against accepting overseas employment offers made by dubious agents or organisations, warning that such offers often involve significant risks.
Providing an update on the commercial vessel MV AGV Ragnar, Jaiswal said the ship came under attack while departing Ukraine’s Odessa port on July 25. There were four Indian nationals on board the vessel. While two have been confirmed safe, two others remain missing.
The MEA said India is maintaining constant contact with authorities in both Ukraine and Romania, which have already conducted search-and-rescue operations. The ministry is also in regular communication with the families of the missing Indian nationals and is extending all possible assistance.
On the issue of deportations from the United States, the MEA disclosed that 1,260 Indian nationals have been deported to India so far in 2026. Jaiswal also noted that 3,567 Indian nationals were deported from the US during 2025.
Responding to a query regarding an Amnesty International report, the MEA defended India’s export control regime, stating that the country possesses a robust legal and regulatory framework governing strategic trade.
Jaiswal said India’s exports of dual-use items and sensitive technologies are carried out strictly in accordance with domestic laws and international obligations. He stressed that India’s strategic exports remain fully compliant with globally accepted norms and regulatory mechanisms.
