EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that the Kashmir issue will be resolved only when Pakistan returns the illegally occupied part to India. He discussed India’s favorable relationship with the U.S., the importance of the Quad alliance, the need for a bilateral trade agreement, and India’s views on the dollar’s role in global economics, asserting that there is no unified BRICS stance against the dollar.
India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that the Kashmir issue will only be resolved once Pakistan relinquishes what he termed the “stolen part” of the region, which he claimed is under illegal occupation. During a recent forum at Chatham House in London, he remarked on the progress made in Kashmir since the removal of Article 370, stating that significantly, the issue remains unresolved solely due to this occupation. Dr. Jaishankar asserted, “When that is done, I assure you, Kashmir solved.”
In the discussion, Dr. Jaishankar also addressed India’s relations with the United States, indicating a positive trajectory under President Donald Trump. He recognized the U.S.’s commitment to a multipolar world, suggesting this aligns well with India’s strategic interests. He noted, “We see a president and an administration which, in our parlance, is moving towards multipolarity, and that is something that suits India.”
Highlights included the importance of the Quad alliance, a coalition comprising India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan, which Dr. Jaishankar highlighted as a successful cooperative framework. He remarked, “From President Trump’s perspective, the one big shared enterprise that we have is the Quad, which is an understanding where everybody pays their fair share.”
Trade discussions were another focal point, where the EAM mentioned bilateral negotiations for a trade pact initiated by PM Modi and President Trump. He confirmed that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is advancing these discussions, indicating a collective agreement on the necessity of such a pact. He stated, “We had a very open conversation about it, and the result of that conversation was that we agreed on the need for a bilateral trade agreement.”
Furthermore, Dr. Jaishankar addressed various global economic issues including India’s relationship with China and the role of the U.S. dollar. He clarified India’s position on the dollar’s supremacy in the global economy, asserting that there is no policy to replace the dollar as it promotes international economic stability. “The dollar as a reserve currency contributes to international economic stability,” he expressed. He also dismissed the myth of a unified BRICS stance against the dollar, stating that member countries have differing views, particularly after the recent expansion of the group.
In conclusion, Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks at Chatham House highlighted the ongoing complexities surrounding Kashmir, underscored India’s evolving bilateral relationships, particularly with the U.S. under President Trump, and addressed broader economic issues concerning the dollar’s dominance. His comments reflect India’s strategic outlook regarding regional governance and international alliances, emphasizing stability in global economics while navigating multifaceted foreign relations.
Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com
