India’s Kashmir decision: New Delhi sensitizes key world capitals, foreign minister to visit China soon 

S Jaishankar.

New Delhi: Considering the depth of the decision taken about removing special status granted to Jammu & Kashmir and also withdrawal of Article 35A, the central government has readily apprised the key countries including the United States, China, United Kingdom, France and Russia. According to government sources, the ministry of external affairs is also briefing their host countries regarding India’s stand.

Media quoting a government source as saying: “It was highlighted that the proposals which are currently under consideration of Parliament of India are internal to India. These are aimed at providing good governance, promoting social justice and ensuring economic development in J&K.”

Foreign minister S Jaishankar had briefed US secretary of state Mike Pompeo about the latest development in India during his meeting in Bangkok. According to the reports, he is scheduled to have detailed conversations with the Chinese leadership on his first visit to China next week.

India’s stand on decision to scrap Article 370 is about social and economic development of J&K, integrating the state with India and countering terrorism.

According to the sources, China and UK are unlikely to raise objection about India’s decision on Kashmir and reaction of the US will be closely monitored. The decision came amid talks about proposed mediation by the US president, Donald Trump, on the Kashmir issue.

The Modi government, on Monday, passed a resolution to withdraw the special status granted to J&K and also to scrap Article 35A. Both J&K and Ladakh states will now be recognised as Union Territories. While speculating the reactions to the move, massive troops have been deployed in the valley and former chief ministers of the state Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah have been kept under house arrest since Sunday midnight.

Related