Jaishankar: Kashmir Resolution Tied to Return of Occupied Region by Pakistan

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed that the Kashmir issue will only be resolved when Pakistan returns the illegally occupied region. He discussed India’s evolving relationship with the US under President Trump, the significance of the Quad alliance, and the intention for a bilateral trade pact with the US. Additionally, he nuanced India’s stance on the internationalization of the rupee and the dollar’s role in the global economy, emphasizing diverse views within BRICS.

In a recent discussion at Chatham House in London, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that the Kashmir issue could only be resolved once Pakistan returns the region it occupies illegally. He stated the conflict in Kashmir is largely addressed following the removal of Article 370, with an emphasis on growth and elections contributing to stability. “The part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir,” he noted, reinforcing India’s position on the matter.

During the same event, Dr. Jaishankar discussed India’s evolving relationship with the United States, highlighting a mutual alignment towards a multipolar world under President Donald Trump. He remarked on how this shift caters to India’s strategic interests, affirming, “We see a president and an administration which is moving towards multipolarity.”

Further, Dr. Jaishankar praised the Quad alliance—comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan—as an effective cooperative enterprise. He explained the model’s success as one where all nations contribute equally, stating, “There are no free riders involved. So that’s a good model which works.”

On trade discussions, he confirmed the agreement between India and the US for a bilateral trade pact, following talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. He mentioned that India’s Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, was in Washington to advance these negotiations, affirming, “We had a very open conversation about it (tariffs).”

Dr. Jaishankar also addressed various other topics, including India’s relations with China and the internationalization of the rupee. Regarding the US dollar’s role in the global economy, he remarked, “I don’t believe there is any policy on our part to replace the dollar,” emphasizing its importance for economic stability.

Moreover, he countered the idea of a unified BRICS stance against the dollar by highlighting the diverse opinions among its member nations, particularly after its recent expansion. He stated, “The assumption that BRICS has a united position against the dollar is not supported by facts.”

In summary, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s position that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute depends on the return of the region currently occupied by Pakistan. He also highlighted positive developments in India’s relationship with the US, the potential for bilateral trade agreements, and the importance of the dollar in maintaining global economic stability. Moreover, he clarified that BRICS does not have a united front regarding the US dollar due to the differing views among its member countries.

Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com