NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday detailed India’s efforts in Kashmir, including the revocation of Article 370, economic initiatives, and high voter participation in recent elections. He also addressed the perspectives of BRICS nations on the role of the US dollar in the global economy.
Speaking at a session titled India’s Rise and Role in the World at London’s Chatham House think tank, Jaishankar emphasized that India has largely resolved the Kashmir issue.
“In Kashmir, we have done a good job addressing most of the challenges. The removal of Article 370 was the first step. The second step was restoring economic growth, social justice, and development in the region. The third step was conducting elections with an exceptionally high voter turnout. The only remaining aspect is reclaiming the illegally occupied part of Kashmir from Pakistan. Once that is done, I assure you—Kashmir will be fully resolved,” he said.
Jaishankar also spoke about India’s evolving relationship with the US under former President Donald Trump, highlighting a shift toward a multipolar world order that aligns with India’s interests.
“We see an administration that is moving toward multipolarity, and that suits India well,” he remarked.
Regarding economic ties, he noted ongoing discussions on a bilateral trade agreement between India and the US, following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in Washington to advance these negotiations.
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Jaishankar also discussed the importance of the Quad alliance, which includes the US, India, Australia, and Japan.
“From President Trump’s perspective, the Quad is a strong shared enterprise where all members contribute equally—there are no free riders. It’s a working model that benefits all partners,” he stated.
On India’s relationship with China, Jaishankar acknowledged recent developments, such as the reopening of the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route in Tibet.
“Our relationship with China is unique, as we are the only two countries in the world with populations exceeding a billion. We seek a relationship based on mutual respect, recognition of each other’s sensitivities, and a framework that works for both nations,” he said.
Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to 9, aiming to strengthen India’s diplomatic and economic ties with both countries.
