Dr. S. Jaishankar asserted that the Kashmir issue will only be resolved when Pakistan returns the part of Kashmir it occupies. He discussed India’s relations with the US, emphasizing cooperation and upcoming trade agreements. Additionally, he addressed the role of the US dollar and highlighted the differing views among BRICS nations.
In a recent discussion at Chatham House in London, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that the Kashmir issue remains unresolved until Pakistan returns the territory it occupies illegally. He stated that the main unresolved aspect concerns the return of this “stolen part” of Kashmir, which he believes will lead to a solution for the region. Dr. Jaishankar remarked, “I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. When that is done, I assure you, Kashmir solved.”
The Minister also addressed India’s relations with the United States, highlighting how the current administration under President Trump aligns with India’s interests in fostering a multipolar world. He noted, “We see a president and an administration which, in our parlance, is moving towards multipolarity, and that is something that suits India.” He cited the Quad alliance—comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan—as an effective model of collaboration that ensures all parties contribute fairly.
Regarding trade negotiations, Dr. Jaishankar stated that India and the US have acknowledged the necessity for a bilateral trade agreement, following discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. He mentioned that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington to advance these negotiations, sharing, “We had a very open conversation about it (tariffs), and the result of that conversation was that we agreed on the need for a bilateral trade agreement.”
Dr. Jaishankar also touched upon several other critical issues, including India’s relationship with China, the emergence of the rupee, and the role of the US dollar in the global economy. He clarified India’s stance on the dollar’s dominance, stating, “I don’t believe there is any policy on our part to replace the dollar. At the end of the day, the dollar as a reserve currency contributes to international economic stability.” Furthermore, he rejected the idea of a unified BRICS stance against the dollar, emphasizing that member countries hold varied views, especially following the group’s recent expansion. He stated, “The assumption that BRICS has a united position against the dollar is not supported by facts.”
In conclusion, Dr. S. Jaishankar highlighted the continuing significance of resolving the Kashmir issue by advocating for the return of the occupied territory from Pakistan. He also underscored the importance of India’s relationship with the United States and the progress in bilateral trade discussions. His remarks on the US dollar’s role reaffirmed India’s commitment to economic stability while acknowledging the diversity of opinions within the BRICS nations regarding currency dynamics.
Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com
