External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has asserted that the Kashmir issue would be automatically resolved once Pakistan vacates Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).
Speaking at Chatham House, a London-based think-tank, he made these remarks in response to a question from an audience member.
The questioner had asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi could use his good relationship with the United States to “solve” the Kashmir issue.
“Removing Article 370 was step number one,” Jaishankar stated, referring to the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Indian government in August 2019.
“Then restoring growth, economic activity, and social justice in Kashmir was step number two,” he continued.
“Holding elections, which were conducted with a very high turnout, was step number three. 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’s done, I assure you, Kashmir [is] solved,” the Minister declared.
Human rights debate at Chatham House
The discussion, moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Chief Executive of Chatham House, also touched upon human rights concerns in Kashmir. Maddox noted that several questions had been submitted on the subject.
Earlier in the day, the House of Commons had held a debate on “Government support for human rights in Jammu and Kashmir”, led by Labour MP Sarah Smith.
Also read: Khalistanis target Jaishankar, tear Indian flag in London
When asked if India would acknowledge shortcomings on human rights, Jaishankar remarked, “The government had, for political reasons, been at the receiving end of campaigns around human rights.
“There can be situations which require redressal and remedy,” he admitted, while insisting that India’s human rights record was strong in comparison with global counterparts.
“I think any sort of sweeping concern on human rights is really misplaced. I don’t see justification for it at all,” he added.
Jaishankar also reiterated that India ensures equal access to benefits for all citizens—an argument he has previously used to defend the government’s human rights record.
Political reactions in India
Meanwhile, political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have welcomed Jaishankar’s remarks, lauding his firm stance on Pakistan’s occupation of POJK.
A BJP leader stated that the Minister had rightly emphasised the historical reality of Pakistan’s illegal occupation and asserted India's commitment to reclaiming the region.
Jaishankar’s remarks are expected to further solidify India's position on the Kashmir issue in international forums, particularly as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to evolve.
Also rerad: Khalistani sentiments on rise under AAP ruled Punjab: Congress
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