An Indian diplomat has criticized the display of wrong maps of India at an international seminar in Dhaka. According to the report, the map shows Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan.
The seminar was held on July 6 at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) auditorium in Dhaka. The main objective of the event was to discuss ways to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Former High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India Tariq A Karim gave the keynote speech. During his presentation, a map displayed on the screen showed Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. Pooja Kumari Jha, second secretary of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, who was present at the event, stood up and objected.
Pooja Kumari Jha said the map shown is not correct and Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. In response, Tariq A. Karim clarified that the map was used only for the purpose of presenting the problem and does not show the actual boundaries.
But despite Karim’s explanation, the Indian diplomat reiterated his statement. He said Jammu and Kashmir is part of India and the map misrepresents the region. Tariq A. Karim then informed that the Indian diplomat’s objection was recorded and continued his speech.
Bangladesh State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam was the chief guest in the event. He emphasized the need to re-energize SAARC through increased trust, cooperation and regular dialogue among South Asian countries. After the video of the incident went viral on social media, many praised the Indian diplomat for promptly pointing out the flaws in the map.