Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah countered Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement about PoK merging with India, cautioning that Pakistan possesses atom bombs. He emphasized that Pakistan is not passive and warned of potential repercussions. Singh had earlier expressed confidence in India’s growing stature, suggesting that people in PoK would willingly join India. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that PoK belongs to India, emphasizing a parliamentary resolution on the matter.