External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that the conflict in Kashmir is “mostly resolved” and that the Indian government is now waiting for Pakistan to return the “stolen part” of the country. Jaishankar, who is on a six-day visit on UK and Ireland, was speaking at the Chatham House think tank in London on Wednesday.
One of the members in the audience asked Jaishankar what steps India has taken to solve the Kashmir issue and if Article 370 abrogation was the first step in that direction. Jaishankar responded to the question saying that the abrogation of Article 370 was indeed the first step to resolve Kashmir issue. He further added that restoring economic growth and social justice in the region was the second step. And holding elections in Kashmir with a high voter turnout was the third step.
He then went on to say that India is waiting for the day when a part of Kashmir, that is stolen under illegal Pakistani occupation, will be returned. He assured that Kashmir issue will be completely resolved when that happens.
India and Pakistan had a direct conversation in October last year for the first time since 2015. Jaishankar had visited Islamabad for a meeting of The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and Jaishankar had spoken twice within 24 hours. Sources told The Indian Express that these talks may have discussed the possibility of restarting cricketing ties between the two countries.
Jaishankar on India-US ties
Jaishankar, while in London, also spoke about India-China ties. He said that the countries have a “unique relationship” where there has been development since October 2024, including the Mount Kailash pilgrimage.
While speaking on India’s relationship with China, Jaishankar said that the countries have a “unique relationship”, and noted development in ties since October 2024, including the Mount Kailash pilgrimage.
Jaishankar on Trump Tariffs
Speaking about the tariffs being imposed by US President Donald Trump, Jaishankar said that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is already in Washington to discuss the future of a trade deal between India and the US. The meeting comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump met at the Oval Office last week.
Jaishankar said that both countries had an open chat about the tariffs and the result was that both countries mutually decided on the need of a bilateral trade agreement.