NEW DELHI - Global automaker Toyota Motor and fast food chain Domino's Pizza are among half a dozen companies that have apologised 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 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 honour the sacrifices of Kashmiris struggling for self-determination. 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.
"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.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 apologised on Tuesday, saying it deeply regretted any offence caused to Indians.