Part Of Kashmir Illegally Controlled By Pakistan Needs To Be Returned– External Affairs Minister Jaishankar Speaks At Chatham House London
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his address at Chatham House in London on Wednesday, spoke at length about the Kashmir issue and India’s ongoing efforts to resolve it. He emphasized that the only remaining aspect of this resolution pertained to the part of Kashmir that continues to be under Pakistan’s illegal occupation. His remarks were made during a “India’s Rise and Role in the World” session, where he highlighted India’s achievements in stabilizing and developing the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
When asked about the measures India has undertaken to address the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar pointed to the abrogation of Article 370 as the initial and crucial step in the process. He underscored that this move was essential for integrating Jammu and Kashmir fully with the rest of India and ensuring its long-term stability and growth.
He elaborated further by explaining the phased approach the Indian government has followed in addressing the region’s challenges. He stated, “In Kashmir, we have made significant progress in resolving most of the longstanding issues. The removal of Article 370 was the first crucial step in this direction. This decision allowed for the extension of Indian laws and policies to the region, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all its residents.”
Jaishankar also mentioned the substantial economic and developmental strides made in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. He described these efforts as the second critical step, explaining that restoring economic activity, creating job opportunities, and ensuring social justice for all sections of society were key priorities for the Indian government.
Another major milestone in this process, according to Jaishankar, was the successful conduct of elections in the region. He noted that the elections witnessed an exceptionally high voter turnout, reflecting the people’s renewed faith in the democratic process. He referred to this as the third step in India’s approach to resolving the Kashmir issue.
However, the External Affairs Minister made it clear that the process would only be fully complete once the portion of Kashmir that remains under Pakistan’s illegal occupation is returned to India. He asserted that once this final aspect is addressed, the Kashmir issue will be entirely resolved. “The only part that remains is the return of the stolen territory that is currently under illegal Pakistani control. Once that happens, I assure you, the Kashmir issue will be completely settled,” he declared.
During his address, Jaishankar also delved into India’s evolving relationship with China, another significant aspect of India’s foreign policy. He emphasized that New Delhi seeks a stable and balanced relationship with Beijing, one that is built on mutual respect and recognition of each other’s interests. He highlighted the importance of peace along the border areas, stating that it is a fundamental prerequisite for both nations to achieve their developmental and economic goals.
Jaishankar explained that one of the key challenges in the India- China relationship is finding a way to establish and maintain a stable equilibrium. He elaborated, “The crucial issue is how to ensure a steady and stable equilibrium that allows for a smooth transition into the next phase of our relationship. Our objective is to have a balanced and predictable relationship where India’s national interests are acknowledged, our sensitivities are understood, and the engagement is mutually beneficial.”
He reiterated that maintaining peace and stability along the border areas was imperative for fostering trust and cooperation between the two Asian giants. “Without stability at the borders, it becomes difficult to build a broader framework for positive engagement,” he remarked, underlining the strategic importance of a peaceful coexistence between the two countries.
Jaishankar’s remarks at Chatham House reflected India’s strong and assertive stance on both the Kashmir issue and its diplomatic engagements with China. While reaffirming India’s commitment to resolving the Kashmir matter in a phased and structured manner, he also made it clear that India remains firm on safeguarding its territorial integrity and sovereignty. His insights into India’s approach toward China emphasized the need for mutual respect and stability as fundamental pillars of the bilateral relationship.
The event at Chatham House served as a platform for India to articulate its diplomatic vision and strategic priorities, highlighting its commitment to regional stability, national security, and economic progress. Jaishankar’s address provided a comprehensive overview of India’s stance on key geopolitical issues, reinforcing its position as a significant global player.
