External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that the Kashmir conflict is “mostly resolved” and emphasized India’s expectation for Pakistan to return the “stolen part”. He outlined steps toward resolving the issue, including restoring economic growth and holding elections. Jaishankar also discussed India’s relationships with China and the United States, particularly regarding trade dynamics.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently declared that the Kashmir conflict is “mostly resolved” and stated that India is anticipating Pakistan’s return of the “stolen part” of Kashmir. His remarks were made during a speaking engagement at the Chatham House think tank in London as part of his six-day visit to the UK and Ireland.
During the session, a member from the audience inquired about India’s approach to resolving the Kashmir issue, specifically asking if the abrogation of Article 370 constituted the initial step. Jaishankar confirmed that it did, outlining a three-step approach: first, the abrogation of Article 370; second, the restoration of economic growth and social justice in the region; and third, holding elections in Kashmir with a high voter turnout.
He emphasized India’s hope that one day, the part of Kashmir under “illegal Pakistani occupation” would be returned, asserting that this would lead to a complete resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Notably, India and Pakistan engaged in direct talks for the first time since 2015 in October of the previous year, when Jaishankar visited Islamabad for a meeting of The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, where he and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, communicated on multiple occasions. Reports suggest their discussions may have hinted at potential advancements in cricketing ties between the two countries.
Jaishankar also addressed India’s relationship with China, highlighting it as a “unique relationship” that has seen positive developments since October 2024, which he noted included the Mount Kailash pilgrimage.
Regarding trade relations, Jaishankar commented on the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and mentioned that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Washington aims to discuss the future of the trade agreement between India and the United States. Following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, he affirmed that both nations recognized the importance of establishing a bilateral trade agreement.
In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s comments during his London visit highlighted India’s position on the Kashmir issue, articulating a clear three-step resolution path. His engagement underscored India’s expectations from Pakistan concerning Kashmir and also reflected on the evolving relationships with both China and the United States regarding trade. Jaishankar’s remarks suggest a proactive diplomatic stance on critical international relations.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
