India on Tuesday strongly criticised the recently conducted local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing the exercise as a “complete farce” and accusing Pakistan of using the polls to mask widespread repression and violence in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the international community must hold Islamabad accountable for alleged human rights violations, claiming that at least 90 civilians have been killed in the continuing crackdown since June.
Addressing the bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the electoral exercise could not conceal the realities on the ground.
“This so-called local election in PoK is a complete farce. The real happening is that of public protests and wanton killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow exercises cannot hide reality,” he said.
Jaiswal said that Pakistani security forces had responded to public discontent with “bullets, blackouts, intimidation and repression” while attempting to manufacture legitimacy through the electoral process.
“Since June this year, at least 90 civilians have lost their lives in the continuing crackdown. The Pakistani establishment has answered public discontent with bullets, blackouts, intimidation and repression, and now seeks to manufacture legitimacy through a hollow electoral exercise. It must be held accountable, and the world should see through Pakistan’s hypocritical lecturing on human rights,” he said.
Responding to another question regarding the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, the MEA spokesperson reiterated that attention should instead focus on developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Jaiswal also renewed India’s call for Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory and take decisive action against cross-border terrorism.
“We continue to call upon countries to take strong action against cross-border terrorism and those promoting it. We call upon Pakistan to take strong action against cross-border terrorism and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure operating from its soil,” he said, adding that India’s position against terrorism remained unchanged following Operation Sindoor.
The remarks came amid reports of widespread unrest during the elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests, allegations of electoral irregularities and clashes reportedly disrupted polling. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have expressed concern over reports of excessive force against protesters, restrictions on media, internet shutdowns and the alleged targeting of journalists.
India-Afghanistan ties
The MEA also dismissed recent remarks by Pakistan’s military spokesperson criticising growing India-Afghanistan relations, saying the comments reflected Islamabad’s “insecurity and frustration.”
“Such statements and comments reflect the Pakistani state’s insecurity and frustration over the positive trajectory of India-Afghanistan ties,” Jaiswal said, noting that India would continue its development partnership with Afghanistan.
India-China relations
On India-China relations, the MEA said discussions between the two countries were progressing in a positive direction. Jaiswal cited the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restoration of civil aviation connectivity and other people-to-people initiatives as important confidence-building measures.
He said both countries remained committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border while expanding cooperation in trade, culture and other areas.
Ganga Water Treaty with Bangladesh
Responding to questions on the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty, which expires in December 2026, the MEA said any discussions on its renewal would be conducted through existing bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Rivers Commission.
Jaiswal noted that India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers and already have established institutional frameworks for resolving water-related issues.
Bangladesh Prime Minister invited to BRICS outreach
The MEA confirmed that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been invited to attend the outreach session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in September in his capacity as the current Chair of BIMSTEC.
Jaiswal said the invitation was extended in line with BRICS’ standard practice of inviting heads of regional organisations to outreach sessions. He also noted that India had extended a formal invitation to Rahman for a bilateral visit soon after he assumed office in February 2026.
Government distances itself from Sheikh Hasina event
The MEA also clarified that the Government of India has no involvement in a media interaction featuring former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina scheduled in New Delhi on Wednesday.
“The interaction is being organised by a private media entity. The government has no involvement whatsoever in it and does not endorse any views that may be expressed at the forum,” Jaiswal said, responding to concerns raised by Bangladesh over the proposed virtual address.
(With agency inputs)
