Goa, May 27 -- New Delhi has firmly rejected what it described as "unwarranted references" to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh made in a recent joint statement issued by Pakistan and China, reiterating that both Union Territories are an integral part of India.

In a strong response, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh "have been, are, and will always remain integral and inalienable parts of India." The ministry further emphasised that India's position on the matter has remained "consistent and well known" to all concerned parties.

The statement also asserted that no other country has any locus standi to comment on issues related to the Union Territories.

India reiterated its objections to what it consid...