Global automaker Toyota Motor and fast food chain Domino’s Pizza are among half a dozen companies that have apologized to India for social media posts from their Pakistani partners expressing support for disputed Kashmir, as more companies got caught up in the diplomatic fracas.
The apology comes after a rare diplomatic escalation between South Korea and India on Tuesday over social media posts by Hyundai Motors’ Pakistani partner, which caused an uproar in India and calls to boycott the carmaker.
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Japan’s Suzuki Motor, majority owner of India’s biggest carmaker Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motor and Isuzu Motor, South Korea’s Kia Motors and Yum! Brands’ KFC also issued apologies as criticism grew on Twitter over the social media posts.
The affray highlights the risks global companies face while navigating sensitivities amid rising nationalism in South Asia, and is prompting them to take steps to strengthen their social media policies to protect their brand.
The row erupted on Sunday, a day after several companies posted messages on social media to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, commemorated annually by Pakistan on Feb. 5 to honor the sacrifices of Kashmiris struggling for self-determination.
India and arch rival Pakistan control parts of Kashmir but both claim the Himalayan territory in full.
India says Pakistan supports an armed insurrection against New Delhi’s rule in India-controlled Kashmir that broke out in 1990. Pakistan denies the charge and says it only provides diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people.
Toyota, the world’s biggest carmaker, said on Twitter that any political statements made by its dealers or other partners were not authorized and do not reflect its corporate stance.
“We regret any hurt this may have caused,” the company said, adding it was putting in place measures to prevent the misuse of its brand and a recurrence of such situations.
Suzuki issued a similar apology, adding it does not align with any political or religious groups.
Hyundai, India’s second-largest car seller, faced the most severe backlash, with hundreds of social media users calling for an apology. Dozens in India also said they would cancel their car orders. The automaker apologized on Tuesday, saying it deeply regretted any offence caused to Indians.
Yet, dozens of members of the youth wing of India’s opposition Congress party gathered outside one of Hyundai’s showrooms in the western city of Ahmedabad in protest.
Some held banners saying “Boycott Hyundai” and demanded the company tweet that Kashmir is an integral part of India.
“We are protesting against Hyundai’s comments on Kashmir, its attempts to disturb the peace in India and for the sacrifice our soldiers have made to protect Kashmir and the nation,” said Gaurang Makvana, a member of the youth Congress.
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