India has called Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent comment on the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as an "uncalled reference", reiterating it once again that China has no locus standi to meddle in India's internal affairs.
While addressing a gathering of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Pakistan capital Islamabad on Wednesday, Wang Yi made a reference to Jammu and Kashmir in his speech.
"On Kashmir, we have heard again today the calls of many of our Islamic friends. And China shares the same hope," he said.
"We reject the uncalled reference to India by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his speech at the Opening Ceremony," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
"Matters related to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir are entirely the internal affairs of India. Other countries including China have no locus standi to comment. They should note that India refrains from public judgement of their internal issues," he added.
Wang Yi's comments came just a day before his India visit which the Chinese Foreign Ministry has not confirmed till now.
"I don't have any information to release at the moment," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin in Beijing on Wednesday when asked by reporters to confirm Wang Yi's India visit and provide additional details.
Analysts believe that the Chinese foreign minister's comment just before his visit could put a damper on the proposed meetings.
Even in the wake of heightened tensions, New Delhi has refrained from commenting on China's internal issues while several countries continue to slam Beijing on human rights issues in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Tibet and also back Taiwan's independence.
India has also batted for facilitating progress in bilateral relations, working hard for restoring peace and tranquility along the LAC in the Western Sector "in keeping with the guidance provided by the State Leaders" to work for the resolution of the remaining issues at the earliest.
