'Vacate illegally occupied Kashmir': India's precondition to Pakistan for talks on Jammu and Kashmir

Randhir Jaiswal

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reiterated that India's position on Jammu and Kashmir and the related talks with Pakistan will only take place with the return of territory illegally occupied by Pakistan.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, In its weekly briefing told reporters that India has a "long-standing national position (on J&K) ... that issues pertaining to the Union Territory have to be addressed by India and Pakistan bilaterally". This, Jaiswal said, has not changed.

Jaiswal also reiterating what senior officials from the Ministry have said: "Terror and talks can't go together... terror and trade can't happen together... terror and water can't flow together."

Responding to a question on all-party delegations, Jaiswal said: Seven all-party delegations have either already departed or will be departing soon. Of these, three have already left — one departed this morning for Russia, and they will also visit other countries such as Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain. The remaining four groups are to travel shortly, with three leaving on May 24 and one set to visit the United States. The central idea behind this political mission is to convey our resolve to the world about our strong outrage against terrorism. We want the world to unite in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We want the world to hold accountable those responsible for cross-border terrorism, particularly Pakistan, which has been practicing against India for the past 40 years."

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during an interview with NOS News in the Netherlands, said: “Kashmir is part of India. No country negotiates a part of its own territory," Jaishankar asserted firmly when asked about the possibility of talks. “One area is under Pakistan — we would like to discuss with them when they will vacate it," he added, underscoring India’s long-standing position that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is illegally held territory.