WASHINGTON: US officials have acknowledged several inconsistencies in the American description of Jammu and Kashmir, insisting there was no change in its policy. A State Department Spokesperson said, “Our policy on Kashmir has not changed.” The clarification came after questions were raised about the different ways the US has described Jammu and Kashmir. In recent statements, the US referred the controversial region as “Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir”. Earlier last week, it called it the “Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir”.
In the 'Country Report on Terrorism 2016', released last week, the US used “Azad Jammu and Kashmir” to describe Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The term found strong opposition from the Indian government. US officials, in response, acknowledged that there have been inconsistency in the American way of describing Jammu and Kashmir, insisting here has been no change in its policy.
“Our policy on Kashmir has not changed. The pace, scope, and character of any discussions on Kashmir is for the two sides to determine, but we support any and all positive steps India and Pakistan can take to forge closer relations,” the spokesperson said.
