Kashmir issue has remained a bone of contention between India and Pakistan for over 70 years now, with no immediate solution in front. While there have been talks and discussions around the same, no conclusion has been arrived as of yet on what can be done to resolve the highly debated Kashmir conundrum.
India and Pakistan were engaged in an intense fighting in May, after New Delhi retaliated against the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Few days after their tense conflict, US President Donald Trump had announced that he has brokered a ceasefire between the two, adding that he is willing to work to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Trump even claimed that he will work with you both India and Pakistan to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at, concerning Kashmir. However, India later said that the issues pertaining to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally.
Kashmir Issue: Pakistan looking at global support?
Islamabad has now welcomed support from any country that can help with the resolution of the long-pending Kashmir issue. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan on Friday (August 8) expressed the willingness to accept assistance from the United States or any other country.
Speaking during his weekly media briefing, Khan said, “Regarding the US’ interest in resolving the Kashmir dispute, we welcome help not just from the United States but from any nation that can help stabilise the situation and move towards a peaceful resolution.” He added that the Kashmir issue lies at the core of peace and security in South Asia.”
Pakistan, while welcoming the US’ interest in working with both sides, says their diplomatic approach remains clear that they prefer the path of diplomacy. “It is now up to the Indian side to decide. So far, there have been no contacts beyond routine diplomatic communication,” Khan noted.
With this, Khan also addressed the security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, stating that Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns over terrorism originating from Afghanistan and stressed that such threats continue to affect regional stability.
What is India’s view on Kashmir issue?
As already mentioned, New Delhi has affirmed that it is against any third-party involvement in the resolution of the Kashmir issue. India has made it clear that it is in favour of addressing all issues with Islamabad bilaterally, as outlined in the 1972 Simla Agreement, which rules out external mediation.
India has reiterated that talks with Pakistan would be limited to issues concerning Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and terrorism.