New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said there was no need to “worry” too much beyond a point about what people will say on Kashmir, asserting that India’s position on its internal issues has prevailed and will prevail.
Addressing a press conference on the first 100 days of the Modi 2.0 government, the minister also asserted that there is a complete predictability of India’s position since 1972.
“Beyond a point, don’t worry too much about what people will say on Kashmir. There is a complete predictability about my position. My position has been clear since 1972 and my position is not going to change. At the end of the day, it is my issue. On my issue, my position has prevailed and will prevail,” the external affairs minister said.
He was replying to questions on Pakistan’s attempt to internationalise the Kashmir issue and concerns expressed by some foreign leaders on human rights condition in Kashmir.
He also emphasised that countries develop a reputation, Jaishankar recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in Afghanistan about “information technology” vs “international terrorism” and how IT has two different meanings, in a reference to India, which is known for its IT professional, and Pakistan.
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‘Unique challenge’ from one neighbour
Attacking Pakistan, Jaishankar on said India has a “unique challenge” from one neighbour who needs to act normal and take action against cross-border terrorism.
Addressing his first press conference after assuming the office, Jaishankar also said one of the key achievements of the government in this period has been a strong connection between national security and foreign policy goals.
He said Indian voice is now heard much more on global stage, be it at G20 summit or at climate conferences.
The minister said India’s narrative on issues like cross-border terrorism and abrogation of Article 370 has been articulated to global audience.
In an obvious reference to Pakistan, Jaishankar said, “We have a unique challenge from one neighbour and that would remain a challenge so until that neighbour becomes a normal neighbour and acts against cross-border terrorism.”
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Well said Nityanandaji. Indian diplomats of the past trained by Nehruji used to understand this and agreed to whatever other countries said and were a part of global community
Jaishankar seems to speak in contradictions. How can India’s position on Kashmir prevail when he is not worried about what people say ? IF he’s not bothered about what the rest of the nations say, how can he prevail upon them to accept the Indian position ? A standoffish “take it or leave it ” position on Kashmir will leave him isolated among his peers in the global circuit.