India Protests Pakistan’s Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan

On 5th June 2026, India lodged a strong protest against Pakistan’s decision to conduct “General Elections” for the so-called Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly in territories that India considers illegally occupied by Pakistan.

Key Points

Indian Protest: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) formally objected to Pakistan’s plan to hold elections in Gilgit-Baltistan on 7 June 2026.
India’s Position: India reiterated that the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including Gilgit-Baltistan, are integral and inalienable parts of India by virtue of the legal accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India in 1947.
Rejection of Electoral Exercise: India stated that conducting elections in territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation does not alter the legal status of these regions.
Concerns Raised by India: The Government of India highlighted issues in Pakistan-occupied territories, including:
- Human rights violations
- Political repression
- Economic exploitation
- Denial of fundamental freedoms