EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that the resolution of the Kashmir issue is contingent on Pakistan returning the “stolen part” of the region. He discussed India-US relations under President Trump and highlighted the successful Quad alliance. Furthermore, he affirmed the need for a bilateral trade agreement while addressing broader economic perspectives regarding the US dollar and BRICS countries’ views on currency dominance.
In a recent discussion at Chatham House in London, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the Kashmir issue, asserting that its resolution hinges on Pakistan returning what he termed the “stolen part” of the region. He emphasized that the situation in Kashmir is largely resolved, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370, and the administration’s efforts towards growth and elections in the region. He stated, “I think the part we are waiting for is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under an illegal Pakistani occupation. When that is done, I assure you, Kashmir solved.”
Dr. Jaishankar also commented on India’s relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump, noting a shift towards a multipolar world that aligns with India’s interests. He highlighted that the Quad alliance, which includes India, the US, Australia, and Japan, exemplifies successful cooperation. He described it as an arrangement where each member contributes fairly, stating, “From President Trump’s perspective, the one big shared enterprise that we have is the Quad, which is an understanding where everybody pays their fair share. There are no free riders involved. So that’s a good model which works.”
Regarding trade engagements, the External Affairs Minister informed that India and the US have recognized the necessity for a bilateral trade agreement, a topic discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. He mentioned that Minister Piyush Goyal was actively negotiating in Washington to advance this dialogue, noting, “We had a very open conversation about it (tariffs), and the result of that conversation was that we agreed on the need for a bilateral trade agreement.”
Additionally, Dr. Jaishankar addressed broader topics, including India’s relationship with China, the international status of the Indian rupee, and the role of the US dollar in global finance. He asserted, “I don’t believe there is any policy on our part to replace the dollar. At the end of the day, the dollar as a reserve currency contributes to international economic stability, and what the world needs right now is more stability, not less.”
Furthermore, he refuted the idea of a unified BRICS stance against the dollar, highlighting the diverse perspectives among member nations, particularly following the recent expansion of the group. He concluded by stating, “The assumption that BRICS has a united position against the dollar is not supported by facts. While multipolarity exists, that does not necessarily mean it has to extend to currency multipolarity.”
In summary, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent address highlighted the importance of resolving the Kashmir issue through the return of what he described as the “stolen part” of the territory by Pakistan. He discussed the positive trajectory of India’s relationship with the US, particularly within the framework of the Quad alliance, alongside ongoing trade negotiations. Moreover, he clarified India’s stance on the US dollar and BRICS countries’ divergent views on currency multipolarity, emphasizing the need for economic stability in the current global landscape.
Original Source: www.indianewsnetwork.com
