India Objects to Incorrect J&K Map at Bangladesh Seminar

GG News Bureau
Dhaka, 11th July: India lodged a strong objection to the depiction of an incorrect map of Jammu and Kashmir during a seminar in Bangladesh, with an Indian diplomat reiterating that the Union Territory is an “integral and inalienable” part of India.

The objection was raised by Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, during a presentation by former Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Ahmed Tariq Karim at a seminar titled “Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC” organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).

While Karim was delivering his presentation, Jha pointed out that the map of India displayed during the session incorrectly depicted Jammu and Kashmir.

“The map of India depicted is incorrect. Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India,” she said.

Responding to the objection, Karim clarified that the map was shown only for representational purposes and did not depict actual international boundaries.

“The map is for representational purposes only. It doesn’t project actual boundaries,” he said.

Acknowledging the clarification, Jha reiterated India’s position, stating, “I understand, Sir, but Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and it is misrepresented here. So I just wanted to point out.”

After learning that she represented the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, Karim said, “The point is noted,” before continuing with his presentation.

During his address, the former envoy spoke about South Asia’s colonial legacy, arguing that colonial rule reshaped political identities and territorial perceptions in the region. He said pre-colonial South Asia had been characterised by interconnected societies, trade routes and cultural exchanges before borders divided communities, markets and shared spaces.

Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed attended the seminar as the chief guest.