India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar has reiterated that the resolution of the India-Pakistan conflict hinges on the reintegration of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) into India, describing it as a “stolen” part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at London’s Chatham House on Wednesday night (5 March), Jaishankar stated that the Indian government is awaiting the return of PoK, asserting that once it is reunified with Jammu and Kashmir, the issue will be resolved, reports the NDTV.
He highlighted the Narendra Modi-led government’s proactive approach to addressing the Kashmir issue, citing the abrogation of Article 370 as the first crucial step.
The central government, he said, is now focused on fostering development, economic progress, and social justice in the region. Conducting elections and ensuring wider participation, he added, stand as significant examples of the ongoing resolution process.
However, he acknowledged that the matter is yet to be fully settled.
During last year’s Lok Sabha election campaign, leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) consistently pledged to bring PoK back under India’s control.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath even assured that PoK would be part of India within six months of Modi’s re-election.
With Jaishankar making these remarks on foreign soil ahead of the Modi government’s third-anniversary milestone, analysts believe his statement could reignite debate over PoK and its geopolitical implications.
During his visit to Britain, Jaishankar also held bilateral discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
