Kashmir issue ends when Pak-occupied land returns: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday pushed for Kashmir’s unification, stating that the issue is “mostly solved.” He emphasized that India now awaits Pakistan’s return of the “stolen part” under illegal occupation.
Speaking at London’s Chatham House think tank, Jaishankar responded to a question on India’s steps to resolve the Kashmir issue. He outlined a three-step approach: first, the abrogation of Article 370; second, economic growth and social justice in Kashmir; and third, high-turnout elections.
“When Pakistan returns the stolen part of Kashmir, the issue will be fully resolved,” Jaishankar stated.
In October 2024, India and Pakistan engaged in their first direct Foreign Minister-level talks since 2015. Jaishankar met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Islamabad. Reports suggested that their discussions also touched on resuming cricketing ties.
At the Chatham House session, titled India’s Rise and Role in the World, Jaishankar also addressed India’s global relationships. Discussing China, he acknowledged a “unique relationship” and pointed to developments since October 2024, including the Mount Kailash pilgrimage. “We want ties where our interests are respected, sensitivities recognized, and cooperation benefits both nations,” he said.
Jaishankar also spoke on US tariffs under the new Republican administration. He noted that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington, negotiating a bilateral trade pact after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
Jaishankar’s remarks reinforced India’s firm stance on Kashmir while highlighting diplomatic engagements with key global players.
