Kashmir tweet controversy entangles more companies like Toyota

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 separatists in 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 and calls to boycott the carmaker.

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 on February 5.

Toyota, the world's biggest carmaker, said on Twitter that any political statements made by its dealers or other partners were not authorised 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.