India has formally objected to the display of an incorrect map of Jammu and Kashmir during a foreign affairs seminar held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The issue arose after a presentation at the event showed a map that did not reflect India's official territorial boundaries.
The objection was raised by Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary for Political and Information at the High Commission of India in Dhaka. She was attending the seminar when the map appeared on the presentation screen. During the session, she immediately pointed out that the map was inaccurate and reiterated India's long-standing position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India.
The seminar was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, a research institution that hosts discussions on international relations, diplomacy, regional security, and strategic affairs. The keynote presentation was delivered by former Bangladesh Ambassador Tariq A. Karim.
According to reports, the map displayed during the presentation depicted Jammu and Kashmir in a manner that differed from India's official map. Following the presentation of the slide, the Indian diplomat publicly registered the objection during the event itself, ensuring that India's official position was placed on record before the audience.
India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, including areas under Pakistan's control, is an integral part of the country. The Government of India has regularly raised objections whenever maps or publications issued by foreign organizations, institutions, or individuals depict the region in a manner that differs from India's official position.
Diplomatic protests over territorial depictions are not uncommon in international relations. Countries frequently raise concerns when official or unofficial publications display maps that they believe do not accurately represent their internationally recognized claims or constitutional positions.
The immediate response by the Indian representative reflects India's established diplomatic practice of correcting any public representation that does not align with its official territorial boundaries. Such objections are generally recorded through statements at public events or through diplomatic communication with the relevant authorities when required.
The seminar itself focused on foreign policy and strategic affairs, bringing together diplomats, academics, policy experts, and government representatives to discuss regional and international issues. While the event covered a range of geopolitical topics, the map shown during the presentation became a point of discussion following the objection raised by the Indian diplomat.
Neither the seminar organizers nor the presenter immediately issued a public response regarding the objection during the event. However, India's official position on Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged and has been consistently reiterated in diplomatic engagements and international forums.
The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding territorial representations in international discussions and the importance governments place on ensuring that official maps accurately reflect their constitutional and diplomatic positions. India continues to maintain that Jammu and Kashmir is an inseparable part of its sovereign territory and has consistently conveyed this position in bilateral and multilateral engagements