A senior US senator has deplored India's annexation of occupied Kashmir, saying he is committed to human rights and self-determination for the people of the disputed state.

Senator Bob Casey said in a statement said India's recent changes to the status of Jammu and Kashmir are a drastic shift away from decades of precedent and policy.

He said it increases the potential for escalated conflict between Pakistan and India and raise serious concerns about the safety and security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Senator said first and foremost, I am committed to promoting democracy, human rights and self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

NNR/Zunera