Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, became the Prime Minister of Britain after a landslide victory in the the UK general elections. For Starmer, one of the key challenges will be to restore his party's ties with India, which have been tumultous due to their remarks on the Kashmir issue in the past.
Back in 2019, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, had passed an emergency motion calling for international observers to "enter" Kashmir and demand the right of self-determination for its people. It also called for Corbyn to meet the high commissioners of India and Pakistan to ensure there is “mediation” and restoration of peace and normality to prevent a potential nuclear conflict.
This resolution did not go down well with India as it slammed it as an effort to “pander to vote bank’s interest”.
How Starmer changed his party's stance on Kashmir?
Under the leadership of Keir Starmer, the party's narrative on the Kashmir issue changed as he emphasised during meetings with the Indian diaspora and public addresses that Kashmir is India’s internal issue and will be resolved by both the neighbours.
“Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament and Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully,” he said during a meeting with Labour Friends of India.
As Prime Minister, Starmer's approach towards India is reflected in Labour's 2024 election manifesto, which commits to seeking a "new strategic partnership with India, including a free trade agreement, as well as deepening cooperation in areas like security, education, technology and climate change".
"I have a clear message for you all today: this is a changed Labour Party," declared Starmer at the India Global Forum (IGF) last year, setting the tone for the party's India-UK outlook. "What my Labour government will seek with India is a relationship based on our shared values of democracy and aspiration. That will seek a free trade agreement (FTA), we share that ambition, but also a new strategic partnership for global security, climate security, economic security," he said.
During his election campaign, Starmer actively engaged in outreach efforts, denouncing Hinduphobia and participating in Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Holi.
As Labour crossed the halfway mark of 650 constituencies in the early hours of Friday to clinch the minimum 326 required for a majority in Parliament, Starmer stepped up to make his victory speech in London.
In his victory speech today, Starmer declared, "Four and a half years of work changing the party, this is what it is for: a changed Labour Party ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people."
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