S. Jaishankar labeled Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as India’s “stolen part” and claimed its return would resolve the Kashmir issue. He articulated the Indian government’s strides in recovering the region and reinforced the stance on bilateral relations with the U.S. and China, along with addressing concerns regarding human rights and identity politics.
On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar referred to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the “stolen part” of India, demanding its return as a resolution to the Kashmir situation. During a discussion at Chatham House in London, he asserted that the reclamation of PoK would settle the Kashmir issue definitively.
Mr. Jaishankar emphasized the Indian government’s progress in resolving various aspects related to Jammu and Kashmir, citing steps such as the removal of Article 370, fostering economic growth, ensuring social justice, and conducting elections that had high voter turnout. He stated, “What we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. When that is done, I assure you that the Kashmir (issue) is solved.” These remarks reinforce the Modi government’s position that the sole outstanding matter regarding Kashmir is the return of PoK.
Regarding the United States’ trade policies under the Trump administration, Mr. Jaishankar noted ongoing discussions between the two nations, particularly in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington. He commented on the implications of Trump’s trade measures and indicated India welcomes the U.S. approach towards stable energy prices and its shift towards multipolarity, asserting this benefits India.
Addressing concerns surrounding the treatment of minorities in India, Mr. Jaishankar declared the importance of equal treatment for all citizens. He criticized the notion of identity-based politics as unhealthy, stating, “Tokenism is destructive politics. We reject this model.” In the context of human rights, he contended that much criticism is politically motivated and highlighted India’s strong human rights record, affirming that no nation is perfect but expressing confidence in India’s democracy and governance.
On China’s relations, he indicated that constructive ties are predicated on mutual respect for each other’s concerns. He referenced the disruptions in bilateral relations following confrontations in 2020 at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) but noted progress towards troop disengagement agreed upon in October.
Lastly, Mr. Jaishankar discussed the Brics grouping and de-dollarisation, clarifying there is no unified stance against the U.S. dollar within Brics, and reiterated India’s lack of interest in undermining U.S. currency. He characterized the negotiations for a free trade pact with Britain as meticulous due to their significant economic implications.
In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored India’s longstanding claim to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, asserting that its return would resolve the Kashmir dispute. He highlighted the progress made in Jammu and Kashmir’s development and criticized identity-based politics regarding minority treatment in India. Mr. Jaishankar also provided insights on international relations, emphasizing the importance of respect in India-China ties and clarifying India’s stance on the U.S. dollar within the Brics context.
Original Source: www.deccanchronicle.com
