Usama Zahid
Bureau Chief South East Asia
Scandinavian News Agency
Finland
New Delhi/Moscow/Islamabad: India has lodged a strong protest with Russia after reports emerged that a map displayed by the Russian Army during a joint exercise with Pakistan depicted the entire Jammu and Kashmir region as part of Pakistani territory.
The controversy arises from a recent joint drill, though details about the specific incident and timing remain unclear. According to reports, the map used in a military briefing or planning session showed all of Jammu and Kashmir—including Indian-administered areas—under Pakistan, contradicting New Delhi’s long-standing position that the region is an “integral part of India.”
India’s Reaction
- Formal Protest: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conveyed its “deep concern” to Russia, summoning the Russian envoy in New Delhi and raising the issue through diplomatic channels in Moscow.
- Demand for Clarification: India has asked Russia to acknowledge the error, issue an official clarification, and ensure correct maps are used in all future official engagements.
- Impact on Relations: Analysts warn the episode could strain the historic India-Russia defense ties, even if dismissed as a “technical oversight.”
Russia’s Historical Position
This is not the first time Russian-Pakistani exercises have sparked controversy. During earlier “Friendship” drills, Russia assured New Delhi that its forces would avoid activities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) or Gilgit-Baltistan following India’s objections. Moscow’s official clarification on the latest map issue is still awaited.
Pakistan’s Stance
The depiction of Kashmir matches Pakistan’s 2020 political map, which claims the entire region, including Indian-administered areas. Islamabad views its growing military ties with Moscow as a chance to gain diplomatic recognition for its claims.
Geopolitical Sensitivity
The incident highlights the fragility of the Kashmir dispute in international diplomacy, especially when involving India’s strategic partners like Russia. New Delhi maintains that any misrepresentation of its territory is an infringement on its sovereignty and will not be tolerated.
Related: Read more on Kashmir dispute and South Asia’s strategic alignments
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