New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he would not raise the Union Territory’s internal issues during his scheduled meeting with US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in Srinagar on Wednesday. Abdullah stressed that solutions to Jammu and Kashmir’s problems must come from the Indian government rather than Washington.
“I would prefer to listen more from him. He is also coming to hear us,” Abdullah said, indicating that he expected the meeting to focus largely on what the US envoy had to discuss.
Abdullah’s remarks come weeks after he triggered a political controversy by suggesting that, if necessary, he could protest outside the White House and approach US President Donald Trump over the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The BJP had accused him of attempting to internationalise the Kashmir issue.
The meeting assumes significance as it marks a major US diplomatic engagement in Jammu and Kashmir amid evolving strategic developments in South Asia. Gor is also serving as Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia.
It is the second time in 15 years that a US ambassador to India is meeting an elected chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The engagement also comes after assembly elections were held in the region following the prolonged absence of an elected government after the 2019 changes involving Article 370 and the loss of statehood.
Gor’s visit follows growing US engagement with Pakistan and comes amid India’s concerns over Washington’s claims regarding the May 2025 India Pakistan military confrontation. India has maintained that the ceasefire followed Pakistan’s request.
The US envoy is expected to travel to Ladakh on Thursday, marking another significant part of his regional visit. The trip comes against the backdrop of continuing strategic tensions along the India China border following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The United States has previously supported India’s position on maintaining the status quo along the Line of Actual Control and strengthened defence cooperation with New Delhi.
