India has strongly objected to references made to Jammu and Kashmir in a recent joint statement issued by China and Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs said such comments have no legal or diplomatic basis.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday that India’s position on the issue remains unchanged and clearly established.

“India's position is consistent and well-known to the concerned parties. The Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India,” he said.

He further added, “No other country has the locus standi to comment on the same.”

India Opposes CPEC And Territorial Claims

India also reacted strongly to references linked to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The MEA said some of the projects under CPEC pass through Indian territory that is under illegal occupation.

“As regards the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, some of which are in India's sovereign territory, we resolutely oppose and reject any moves by other countries to reinforce or legitimise Pakistan's illegal and forcible occupation of these territories, impinging on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This has been clearly conveyed to Pakistani and Chinese authorities several times,” the statement said.

India also rejected references to “trans-boundary water resources cooperation” between China and Pakistan.

The MEA pointed out that both countries do not share a valid boundary as per India’s position. It also said India has never accepted the 1963 boundary agreement between China and Pakistan.

“As the two countries do not share any boundary, the question of so-called 'trans-boundary water resources cooperation' does not arise. India has never recognised the so-called 1963 boundary agreement between Pakistan and China.”

What The Statement Implies

The references in the China–Pakistan statement on Jammu and Kashmir and water cooperation indicate deeper geopolitical signalling.

Analysts note that China appears to support Pakistan’s position on Kashmir while also pushing strategic messaging on shared water resources.

At the same time, Pakistan reaffirmed its support for China’s “One China Policy,” which considers Taiwan a part of China. Beijing often seeks such public endorsements from visiting leaders.

The developments also highlight China’s continued alignment with Pakistan on key regional issues, even as tensions persist with India.

Strategic And Regional Context

China’s close cooperation with Pakistan is often viewed in the context of its regional strategic interests, including access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar port.

Reports suggest Beijing sees Gwadar as a potential naval-linked asset in the North Arabian Sea near the Strait of Hormuz.

India, however, continues to oppose the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, arguing it violates its sovereignty. It also reiterates that Pakistan illegally transferred 5,180 sq km of land in the Shaksgam Valley to China in 1963.

What The China–Pakistan Statement Said

The joint statement was issued after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited China from May 23 to 26.

During the visit, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Both sides agreed to deepen their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”

Pakistan also briefed China on developments in Jammu and Kashmir during the talks.

China, in response, said the issue should be resolved under the United Nations framework.

Both countries also agreed to explore “trans-boundary water resources cooperation,” though no details were shared. The rivers involved pass through territory India considers its own.