India summoned the South Korean envoy in New Delhi to express its displeasure about South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai’s post from its Pakistani account on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day. Meanwhile, Hyundai, along with several other multinational companies like KFC and Kia, have also faced calls for a boycott of their products over similar posts.
Pakistan celebrates February 5 as Kashmir Solidarity Day that is symbolic of its support for the separatist movement in the region against the Indian government. Hyundai’s Pakistani handle put out a message that recalled the “sacrifices” of Kashmiris and called for continued support in their “struggle for freedom.”
Subsequently, numerous social media users asked for a boycott of Hyundai products. In fact, Piyush Goyal, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, also raised the issue in the Parliament and demanded a more “forceful” apology.
As a result of the Hyundai controversy, the Indian government summoned the South Korean envoy in New Delhi and showcased their displeasure over the post and sought an explanation. Similarly, the Indian envoy in Seoul also communicated the same concerns to the South Korean government. Soon after, the post was taken down by the Pakistani social media handle of Hyundai.
Meanwhile, three days after the post, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar participated in a telephonic conversation with his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong to discuss the “Hyundai matter.” Speaking about the discussions, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the South Korean leaders “conveyed that they regretted the offence caused to the people and Government of India by the social media post.”
Received a call from ROK FM Chung Eui-yong today. Discussed bilateral and multilateral issues as also the Hyundai matter.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2022
Further, Hyundai Motors also communicated their “deep regret” on the issue and clarified that it was against their “business policy” to “comment on political and religious issues.” The released statement clarified that the “unauthorised Kashmir-related social media post” was made by an “independently-owned distributor in Pakistan.” They accused the dealer of misusing the Hyundai brand and that the company “strongly rejects” the distributor’s “unauthorised non-business related social media activity.”
Hyundai Motor statement:#Hyundai #HyundaiIndia pic.twitter.com/Ir5JzjS2XP
— Hyundai India (@HyundaiIndia) February 8, 2022
Similar posts were made by the Pakistani handles of American fast-food chains — Pizza Hut, KFC and Domino’s. Similarly, Kia — another Hyundai group company — Toyota, Honda and Suzuki’s Pakistani accounts had also posted about Kashmir Solidarity Day. Following widespread calls from Indian social media users for a ban on their products, the posts were taken down and the companies issued apologies.
The Kashmir issue has always been a sensitive one for India, who have been engaged in a power struggle over the region with Pakistan. Since 1947, India and Pakistan have both staked claim over the territory and fought two wars over the same. They have also engaged in a diplomatic war of words and blamed the other for constant tensions in the area that has resulted in a substantial military presence within Kashmir.