Overview
- The China‑Pakistan joint statement issued during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing from May 23–26, 2026 called the Kashmir dispute “left over from history” and pledged to accelerate China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) development.
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded on May 26 with a categorical rejection, saying Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh "have been, are and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India" and that no other country has locus standi to comment.
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said New Delhi resolutely opposes CPEC projects that run through territory India claims and dismissed references to China‑Pakistan 'trans‑boundary water resources cooperation' as legally and geographically untenable.
- Beijing and Islamabad agreed to deepen strategic ties by promoting high‑quality CPEC projects, positioning Gwadar as a regional hub and inviting third‑party participation, moves New Delhi views as attempts to legitimise Pakistan’s control of contested areas.
- The exchange has heightened diplomatic tension but produced no immediate changes on the ground; observers should watch for follow‑up CPEC committee meetings, infrastructure progress in Gilgit‑Baltistan and any new diplomatic démarches between New Delhi, Beijing and Islamabad.