Domino's India apologizes for 'Kashmir Solidarity' post

Domino's India has joined the other organizations in apologizing to Indian consumers for their insensitive posts on Kashmir that harmed national sensibilities after receiving a lot of backlash on social media for their support in solidarity with Kashmir.'

Domino's India issued an apology on Twitter on Tuesday for the 'unsolicited tweet' that was shared on the pizza-making food chain's social media accounts outside of India.

Domino's said in a statement that they are working on it, “committed to the Indian market and have the utmost respect for the people, culture and spirit of nationalism of the country.”

“We regret and apologize for the unsolicited social media post published on Domino's social media handles outside the country. As a brand, we honour and respect India and remain deeply committed to serving our customers and communities with humility, gratitude, and pride,” the statement further said.

After a post that claimed, "The nation is one in support of our beloved Kashmiris, may they live as a sovereign nation soon," the fast-food company drew widespread anger online. It was reportedly shared on February 5 by Domino's Pakistan's official account.

Domino's has issued an apology, following in the footsteps of other global food businesses like Pizza Hut and KFC, which have received backlash for supporting separatists.

“After facing flak, KFC India apologised on Monday for propagating the separatist agenda launched by ISI in the name of the 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' hoax. "We deeply apologise for a post that was published on some KFC social media channels outside the country. We honour and respect India, and remain steadfast in our commitment to serving all Indians with pride," they said.

Hyundai and Kia have already faced backlash for their stance on Kashmir, and have issued statements distancing themselves from their sister accounts. The Indian government, however, was not pleased with Hyundai's diplomatic statement following the outcry, and they raised the issue with their South Korean colleagues.

“India registered a “strong displeasure” on the unacceptable social media post by Hyundai Pakistan and the objection to the post was conveyed to the government of South Korea. The matter was highlighted to South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s administration, and it was communicated that Hyundai’s controversial post concerning India’s territorial integrity was unacceptable and that there can be “no compromise” on India’s territorial sovereignty.

Honda Motor Company Ltd, the company's parent, said in a statement put on Honda Cars India's Twitter account, "Honda is deeply committed to ensuring compliance with laws and sentiments of every country it operates in. Any hurt caused to this effect is regretted."

Honda's policy states that the company "seeks to avoid commenting on race, politics, religion, or social issues in any part of the world where it is present."

"Any affiliate, dealer, or stakeholder who makes a statement to the contrary is in violation of its policy," it continued.

These corporations join the likes of Hyundai, Suzuki, Toyota, KFC, and Pizza Hut in apologizing for social media posts promoting Kashmir Solidarity Day by their Pakistani business associates, following outrage in India and calls for a boycott of their products.

In the case of Hyundai, a day after New Delhi summoned the RoK envoy to express "strong displeasure" over the "unacceptable" post, the South Korean foreign minister "regretted the offense" caused to the people and government of India by the social media post on the so-called Kashmir Solidarity Day by Hyundai Pakistan.

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