“Kashmir Issue Will End When We Get PoK Back” Says S. Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is currently in London, where he’s been addressing some of India’s most pressing issues at a talk titled “India’s Rise and Role in the World.” One of the major topics he touched upon was the ongoing Kashmir conflict, and he didn’t hold back on sharing the Indian government’s stance.

Jaishankar took the opportunity to discuss the steps India has taken to resolve the Kashmir issue, including the bold move of scrapping Article 370. He emphasized that the government is focused on bringing in development, increasing economic activities, and, most importantly, holding elections. “We’ve made great strides in addressing most of the issues in Kashmir,” he said. “The removal of Article 370 was a major step forward in this direction.”

But here’s the kicker: Jaishankar believes the Kashmir issue will be fully resolved only when Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is back in India’s fold. “Once we reclaim that part of Kashmir, I’m confident the issue will be resolved completely,” he said, adding that the integration of PoK would be the final nail in the coffin of this long-standing dispute.

A Clear Path Forward

In his talk, the Foreign Minister didn’t just talk about political moves. He also highlighted India’s focus on economic development and social justice in Kashmir, ensuring that local citizens have opportunities for growth and a better quality of life. And, of course, he mentioned the successful elections that showed a massive voter turnout, signaling a return to democratic processes in the region.

The China Angle

Of course, no major foreign policy talk would be complete without a mention of India’s relationship with China. When asked about it, Jaishankar gave an insightful response, noting that India and China share a unique bond, both with populations over a billion. The two nations, with their ancient history and ever-evolving dynamics, face the challenge of maintaining balance as they continue to grow.

Jaishankar wrapped up by saying, “As both countries progress, their relationship will evolve, and we’ll need to manage this balance carefully.”

So, whether it’s Kashmir or China, it looks like Jaishankar is confident that India is on the right path to handling its diplomatic challenges. Let’s see how these discussions unfold in the coming months!