March 7, London: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stated that the Kashmir issue will be resolved once the part of Kashmir under “illegal Pakistani occupation” is returned to India. Speaking at Chatham House, a London-based think tank, on Wednesday, Jaishankar outlined India’s approach to addressing the Kashmir situation, emphasizing that significant progress has already been made.
“On Kashmir, we have done a good job in solving most of it,” Jaishankar said. He highlighted three key steps taken by India: the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir; the restoration of economic growth, social justice, and development in the region; and the successful conduct of elections with high voter turnout. “The part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir under illegal Pakistani occupation. When that is done, I assure you Kashmir will be solved,” he added.
Jaishankar’s remarks drew a sharp response from Pakistan, with its Foreign Office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, rejecting the statement and accusing India of occupying parts of Jammu and Kashmir for the past 77 years. Khan urged India to vacate the region, reflecting the longstanding tensions between the two nations over the Kashmir dispute.
During the event, Jaishankar also discussed India’s foreign policy priorities, including its relationship with the United States. He noted that the Trump administration’s move toward multipolarity aligns with India’s interests. He highlighted the Quad grouping—comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan—as a successful model of cooperation where all members contribute equally. “There are no free riders involved. So, that’s a good model which works,” he said.
On the trade front, Jaishankar revealed that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in Washington to discuss a bilateral trade pact with the US, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump last month. “We agreed on the need for a bilateral trade agreement,” he said, addressing the issue of reciprocal tariffs.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s position, stating that New Delhi has consistently engaged with both Moscow and Kyiv. “Our consistent position has been that they need to engage in direct negotiations,” he said, adding that India remains open to facilitating peace efforts where possible.
On the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Jaishankar expressed cautious optimism after meetings with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but noted a shared interest in moving forward. “I am cautiously optimistic and hope it doesn’t take that long,” he said.
Jaishankar’s remarks underscore India’s proactive approach to resolving longstanding issues like Kashmir while strengthening its global partnerships and trade relations.
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