India’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir remains unchanged, emphasizing bilateral talks with Pakistan over its illegally occupied territory, the government reiterated on Tuesday. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s recent statements on the matter.
The External Affairs Ministry stated that India’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, specifically the return of territory illegally occupied by Pakistan, has not shifted. The ministry emphasized the importance of resolving this issue through bilateral discussions, despite past solicitations for mediation from Pakistan and offers from US President Donald Trump.
During a routine briefing, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing position that issues related to Jammu and Kashmir must be addressed directly by India and Pakistan. This approach remains consistent and unaltered.
In his recent address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi underscored that talks regarding Kashmir can only proceed if Pakistan dismantles its terrorist infrastructure and returns the territory it currently occupies. He emphasized that terrorism and dialogue are incompatible, along with terrorism and trade, as well as terrorism and water resources.
The Prime Minister’s firm stance on terrorism and the need to address Pakistan’s support for terrorist activities signals a significant shift in India’s counterterrorism strategy. He warned of robust retaliation in the event of another attack similar to the recent incident in Pahalgam, where civilians were targeted by a group linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba.
India’s consistent position on Kashmir, emphasizing bilateral dialogue and the return of occupied territories, has been reiterated over the years. Despite occasional offers of mediation, India remains steadfast in its approach to resolving the Kashmir issue directly with Pakistan.
President Trump’s recent offer to mediate on the Kashmir dispute was met with rejection from India, reaffirming the country’s commitment to resolving bilateral issues without external interference. The US State Department clarified that Kashmir is a matter for India and Pakistan to address bilaterally, with the option of US assistance if needed.
In conclusion, India’s unwavering stance on Jammu and Kashmir, as articulated by Prime Minister Modi and reiterated by the External Affairs Ministry, underscores the country’s commitment to resolving the longstanding issue through direct dialogue with Pakistan.
