Kashmir Issue Will Be Solved Once Land Stolen by Pakistan Is Returned, Says S Jaishankar

London: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that resolving the Kashmir issue requires Pakistan to return the land it occupies illegally. Speaking at Chatham House, a London-based think tank, Jaishankar addressed a range of topics, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and India’s position on the region.  

When asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would use his ties with US President Donald Trump to resolve the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar outlined India's three-step approach to the region’s progress.  

Three-Step Approach to Kashmir

Jaishankar detailed the changes in Kashmir, beginning with the removal of Article 370, which revoked the region’s special status. The second step, he said, was focused on economic growth and increased activity in the region. Lastly, he highlighted the recent assembly elections in Kashmir, which led to the formation of a new government under Omar Abdullah, though Kashmir remains a Union Territory.  

"In Kashmir, we have done a good job solving most of it. I think removing Article 370 was one step," Jaishankar said. "Then, restoring growth, economic activity, and social justice in Kashmir was step number two. Holding elections, which were done with a very high turnout, was step number three."  

Calls for Pakistan to Return Indian Land

Jaishankar strongly criticized Pakistan’s control over parts of Kashmir, referring to it as stolen land. “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,” he said.

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Human Rights Concerns Discussed

Chatham House chief executive Bronwen Maddox noted that Kashmir and human rights were key discussion points. Earlier in the day, the UK Parliament had debated "Government support for human rights in Jammu and Kashmir," led by Labour MP Sarah Smith.  

When asked whether India acknowledges any shortcomings on human rights, Jaishankar said that political campaigns had targeted the Indian government. “There can be situations which require redressal and remedy,” he said, but maintained that India had a strong human rights record compared to global standards.  

Diplomatic Meetings in the UK

Jaishankar is on a six-day visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland. During his visit, he met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The talks come as tensions rise following a confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office.