A Diplomatic Misstep in Kashmir: What’s at Stake for the US-Pakistan Relationship

The recent visit by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked a fresh spat between Washington and Islamabad. Pakistan accuses Gor of contradicting the US position on the disputed territory, citing his comment that Indian-administered Kashmir is “an important part of India.” This remark has set off alarm bells in Islamabad, where officials insist it contradicts Washington’s longstanding stance.

The incident is the latest in a long series of diplomatic missteps that have strained relations between the two countries. At its heart lies a complex web of competing interests and historical rivalries that have been brewing for decades. The dispute over Kashmir has been one of the most intractable issues in international relations, with both India and Pakistan claiming sovereignty since British colonial rule ended in 1947.

Pakistan sees US language on Kashmir’s disputed status as crucial external validation of its efforts to internationalize the issue. Islamabad views Washington as a key player in the conflict, and any suggestion that the US is taking India’s side would be deeply damaging to relations between the two countries. Conversely, for India, outside mediation or recognition of Kashmir’s disputed status cuts against its position.

The US has traditionally maintained a neutral stance on the issue, supporting bilateral negotiations between India and Pakistan, with consideration given to the wishes of the Kashmiri people. However, in recent years, Washington has increasingly tilted towards Delhi, with some analysts arguing this shift began as far back as 1999, when President Bill Clinton leaned on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to withdraw from Kargil.

The current tensions between Pakistan and the US are a symptom of a broader power struggle in the region. As Washington seeks to balance its strategic partnership with India against its relationship with Pakistan, it must avoid further diplomatic missteps like Gor’s comments. The consequences could be far-reaching: not only straining relations but also undermining regional stability and emboldening extremist groups.

Recalling Trump’s 2019 claim that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally asked him to mediate on Kashmir is instructive. This incident sparked a fierce backlash from Delhi, with India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejecting Trump’s account in parliament. For Pakistan, such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the perils of relying on external powers to resolve its disputes.

The wisdom of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger should guide US diplomacy: “the art of diplomacy is not to make friends but to avoid making enemies.” In this case, Gor’s comments have made an enemy out of Pakistan at a time when Washington needs Islamabad’s cooperation more than ever. Repairing the damage done will be crucial in the days ahead, requiring delicate diplomatic footwork.

The stakes are high: not only for the US-Pakistan relationship but also for regional security and stability. The Kashmir dispute may seem a relic of history to some, but its consequences continue to reverberate across the globe, shaping geopolitics and fuelling extremist groups. As Washington grapples with this complex web of interests and rivalries, it must tread carefully lest it create new crises where old ones exist.

Jauhar Saleem, Pakistan’s former foreign secretary, has aptly put it: “Kashmir is not just a dispute between India and Pakistan; it is a matter of international concern, and its resolution requires the active involvement of all stakeholders.” Washington would do well to remember this fundamental truth.