An Indian diplomat publicly objected to the display of an incorrect map depicting Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan during a foreign policy seminar in Bangladesh, prompting an immediate clarification from the presenter and renewing attention on India's position regarding its territorial boundaries.

The incident occurred during a seminar titled "Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC", organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.

Indian Diplomat Raises Objection

During a presentation by former Bangladeshi diplomat Tariq A. Karim, Pooja Kumari Jha, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, interrupted the session after noticing a map that allegedly portrayed Jammu and Kashmir incorrectly.

Objecting to the visual, Jha said the map was inaccurate and asserted that "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India."

The intervention briefly halted the presentation as she requested that the issue be placed on record.

Presenter Responds

Responding to the objection, Tariq A. Karim said the map had been used only for "representational purposes" and was not intended to depict official international boundaries.

Jha reiterated India's position, stating that Jammu and Kashmir had been misrepresented and that she wanted to formally register India's objection.

After learning that she was representing the Indian High Commission, Karim acknowledged the concern, saying, "Point noted," before resuming his presentation.

Video Circulates on Social Media

A video of the exchange has since circulated widely on social media, where many users praised the diplomat for immediately challenging the depiction of India's territorial boundaries.

The incident has generated discussions online regarding the use of maps at international conferences and the sensitivity surrounding territorial representations.

India's Consistent Position

India has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of the country and has frequently objected to maps or references that contradict its official position.

The latest incident adds to a series of diplomatic interventions by Indian representatives at international forums whenever India's territorial boundaries have been portrayed differently.

Earlier this year, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, P. Harish, exercised New Delhi's Right of Reply during a debate at the UN General Assembly after Pakistan referred to Jammu and Kashmir. During his remarks, Harish reiterated India's long-standing position and criticised what he described as misleading narratives on the issue.

Earlier Nepal Airlines Controversy

The Dhaka seminar comes months after Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) faced criticism for publishing promotional material that incorrectly depicted the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The graphic sparked widespread backlash on social media, with the hashtag #BoycottNepalAirlines gaining traction among Indian users.

Following the controversy, the airline withdrew the promotional material and issued a public apology.

The latest episode in Bangladesh highlights the continued diplomatic sensitivity surrounding maps and territorial representations, with India maintaining that any depiction inconsistent with its official boundaries is unacceptable and warrants immediate correction.