India's stance on Gilgit-Baltistan crystal clear: MEA

Making India's stand very clear, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country.

MEA official spokesperson Vikas Swarup, responding to a question regarding reports that Pakistan is making Gilgit-Baltistan its province, said the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir which includes areas currently under Pakistan occupation is an integral part of the Union of India.

"We have seen various media reports stating that various options are under consideration regarding the political status of Gilgit-Baltistan, India's position is crystal clear on this," Swarup told the media here.

"Our concerns regarding exploitation of resources and implementation of economic projects in PoK which includes Gilgit-Baltistan are well-known and have been shared with the countries and organisations concerned," he added.

Despite pressure from the Chinese government, Pakistan is unlikely to change the constitutional status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which is also claimed by India as part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Gilgit-Baltistan region is a part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir, which was divided between India and Pakistan.