Dhaka/New Delhi: A young Indian diplomat, Pooja Kumari Jha, a 2022-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer serving as Second Secretary (Political & Information) at the High Commission of India in Dhaka, has come into the spotlight after she firmly objected to the display of an incorrect map of India during a foreign policy seminar in Bangladesh.
The incident occurred during a seminar organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS), where a presentation by former Bangladeshi diplomat Tariq A. Karim displayed a map depicting Jammu & Kashmir as part of Pakistan. Jha immediately intervened, stating that the map was “factually incorrect” and reiterating India’s long-standing position that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India.
Her prompt diplomatic intervention drew widespread attention and praise, highlighting the role of young Indian diplomats in safeguarding India’s national interests on international platforms.
The Dhaka Seminar Incident
The controversy unfolded during a keynote address by former Bangladeshi High Commissioner to India Tariq A. Karim at the BIISS seminar.
As the map appeared on the presentation screen, Pooja Kumari Jha, who was attending the event as part of the audience, immediately raised an objection.
She stated, “The map of India depicted here is incorrect. Jammu & Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India, and I think the map presented here is not correct.”
India's Second Secretary at the @ihcdhaka Puja Jha, objected on the spot after an incorrect map of Jammu & Kashmir as part of Pakistan was displayed during a foreign policy seminar in Bangladesh.
— Abhishek Jha (@abhishekjha157) July 10, 2026
She said that J&K is an integral and inalienable part of India and that the map was… pic.twitter.com/G3MReBRgEZ
Her intervention prompted an immediate response from Karim, who clarified that the map had been used only for “representational purposes” and “did not project actual boundaries.”
According to reports, the organisers also acknowledged the concern, and the slide was subsequently withdrawn.
India’s Firm Stand on Jammu & Kashmir
India has consistently maintained that the entire Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, including the areas under Pakistan’s illegal occupation, forms an integral and inalienable part of the country.
Any depiction that suggests otherwise has routinely been challenged by Indian diplomatic missions across the world.
Ms Jha’s intervention reflected this established diplomatic position and demonstrated India’s policy of responding immediately to any inaccurate representation of its territorial boundaries.
Who Is IFS Pooja Kumari Jha?
Ms Jha belongs to the 2022 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and currently serves as Second Secretary (Political & Information) at the High Commission of India in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Her responsibilities include monitoring political developments, handling strategic information, and contributing to India’s diplomatic engagement with Bangladesh.
Although still early in her diplomatic career, she has already attracted national attention for her composed yet firm handling of a sensitive diplomatic issue.
From Humble Beginnings to the Indian Foreign Service
Pooja Kumari Jha’s journey is widely regarded as an inspiring story of perseverance and determination.
Raised in a modest family in Delhi, her father worked as a peon while her mother managed the household. Coming from a financially constrained background, she pursued her education in a Hindi-medium Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) government school.
Recognising the importance of communication skills, she began teaching herself spoken English while studying in Class VIII, determined to overcome language barriers that often disadvantage students from government schools.
Her academic excellence later earned her admission into the Avanti Fellows mentoring programme, which provided guidance for competitive examinations.
Cracking UPSC in the First Attempt
Pooja’s hard work culminated in remarkable success when she cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2021 in her very first attempt.
At the age of 25, she secured an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 82, making her one of the top performers in the examination.
Despite being eligible for the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), she opted for the Indian Foreign Service, choosing diplomacy as her career with the aim of representing India globally.
Her success also made her a first-generation civil servant, inspiring countless aspirants from modest socio-economic backgrounds.
Serving India in Bangladesh
As Second Secretary (Political & Information) in Dhaka, Pooja Kumari Jha plays an important role in India’s diplomatic mission in Bangladesh.
Her work involves:
- Monitoring political developments.
- Strengthening bilateral engagement.
- Handling strategic communication.
- Supporting India’s diplomatic outreach.
The Dhaka seminar incident has further highlighted the responsibilities entrusted to young diplomats in representing India’s official position abroad.
Why Her Intervention Matters
Diplomatic forums often involve discussions on politically sensitive subjects, including international boundaries.
Any incorrect depiction of India’s territorial map is treated seriously by Indian diplomatic missions.
By raising her objection immediately—and in a calm yet unequivocal manner—Pooja Jha ensured that India’s position was placed on record before an international audience.
The incident has been widely viewed as an example of professional diplomacy, demonstrating how young officers are expected to defend India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through established diplomatic channels.
An Inspiration for UPSC Aspirants
Beyond the diplomatic significance of the incident, Pooja Kumari Jha’s personal journey has resonated with many UPSC aspirants.
From studying in a Hindi-medium government school to teaching herself English, clearing the Civil Services Examination in her first attempt, and now representing India overseas, her story reflects the transformative opportunities offered through public service.
Her journey serves as an example that determination, consistent preparation and self-belief can help overcome socio-economic and educational barriers.
