By South Matters World Affairs Desk | India-Pakistan Relations
India Opposes Pakistan’s Election Plans in Gilgit-Baltistan
India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest against Pakistan’s decision to conduct so-called “General Elections” for the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly on June 7, 2026. New Delhi reiterated that Gilgit-Baltistan remains an integral part of India and rejected Pakistan’s attempts to alter the status of the region.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Pakistan’s move has no legal basis and cannot change India’s position regarding the territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
India Reaffirms Its Sovereignty Claim
In its official statement, the Government of India emphasized that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, legally acceded to India in 1947.
India maintained that the accession was complete, legal, and irrevocable. Therefore, any political process initiated by Pakistan in the region is considered invalid by New Delhi.
The government further underlined that Pakistan continues to occupy these territories illegally and must vacate them.
Concerns Over Human Rights and Political Freedom
India also accused Pakistan of attempting to divert attention from issues affecting people living in the region.
According to the statement, elections and administrative measures cannot conceal concerns related to human rights violations, political repression, economic exploitation, and restrictions on freedom in areas under Pakistan’s control.
New Delhi argued that democratic exercises conducted under occupation do not address the core issues faced by local residents.
Growing Diplomatic Tensions
The latest protest adds another chapter to the long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan over Jammu and Kashmir.
India has consistently opposed any attempts by Pakistan to make administrative or political changes in territories it considers illegally occupied. Similar objections have been raised in the past regarding constitutional changes, development projects, and electoral exercises conducted by Pakistan in Gilgit-Baltistan.
With elections scheduled for June 7, the issue is expected to remain a point of diplomatic friction between the two neighbouring countries.