NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recognized Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of India. This was revealed in a video shared by UAE Deputy Prime Minister Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the G20 Summit held in New Delhi.
The video intended to highlight regional initiatives for an economic corridor connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India.
The move has come as a shock to Pakistan, which has long claimed PoK as its territory. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has stated that “Any map showing the entire Jammu and Kashmir as part of India is legally untenable and factually incorrect.”
However, the UAE’s recognition of PoK as part of India is seen as a major diplomatic victory for India. It also underscores the growing distance between Pakistan and key Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, aims to enhance bilateral commerce and cooperation between participating countries. With PoK now recognized as part of this strategic plan, the corridor holds significant potential for economic linkages between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
It comes at a time when Pakistan is facing increasing isolation in the region, with key allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE distancing themselves from Islamabad.
The move is also a sign of the growing ties between India and the UAE. The two countries have been cooperating closely on a range of issues, including trade, investment, and security.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is a major initiative that has the potential to boost economic growth and development in the participating countries. With PoK now recognized as part of this plan, the corridor could play a vital role in connecting India to the Middle East and Europe.