'Illegally and forcibly occupied': India lodges strong protest with Pakistan over polls for so called Gilgit-Baltistan assembly
New Delhi has vehemently protested Pakistan's announced plans to hold elections for the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly, branding the move an "illegal and forcible occupation" of Indian territory. This diplomatic demarche, issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs on June 5, 2026, escalates tensions over the strategically vital region, which India maintains is an integral part of its union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, signaling India's unwavering opposition.

















