Kashmir is a Muslim-majority territory. It is divided into two parts, administered by India and Pakistan, but both countries claim sovereignty over the entire territory.

Despite a 2003 agreement to observe a ceasefire, fighting still occurs between soldiers from both sides along the Kashmir dividing line.

On January 10, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, visited Pakistan-administered Kashmir with a British Foreign Office official.

Indian Foreign Minister Vinay Kwatra has lodged a "strong protest" with the British High Commissioner to India over the visit, calling it "unacceptable".

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed Ms Marriott's visit, adding: "She met the British-Pakistani diaspora, played a game of football with street children and visited a bakery."

This week's visit comes as both India and Pakistan are set to hold elections this year.

Mai Van (according to Reuters)