S Jaishankar: Abrogation of Article 370, Economic Growth and Elections, Kashmir Issue Resolved, Only PoK Remains..., EAM's Befitting Reply Stuns Pakistan

S Jaishankar’s sharp response to a Pak journalist’s Kashmir question has gone viral. Reaffirming India’s claim on PoK, he stated that the “stolen part” must return, reigniting global debates on the region.

author-image
Harsh
New Update
S Jaishankar

Photograph: (ANI/X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to London has sparked widespread discussions, particularly between India and Pakistan. The event gained attention after a Pakistani journalist attempted to corner Jaishankar with a provocative question on Kashmir. However, Jaishankar’s calm and precise response turned the tables, earning applause and further fueling debates on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Pakistani Journalist’s Attempt to Corner S Jaishankar Backfires

During his speech at Chatham House in London, S Jaishankar engaged in a Q&A session when a Pakistani journalist tried to pose a challenging question. The journalist prefaced his question by suggesting that it might make Jaishankar nervous. He claimed that Kashmiris were “up in arms” and alleged that India had deployed one million troops to control seven million Kashmiris. Furthermore, he inquired whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would leverage his ties with U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Watch Here:

Responding to the journalist’s claims, S Jaishankar outlined India’s firm position on Kashmir. He stated, “Look, in Kashmir, we have done a good job resolving most of the issues. The first step was removing Article 370. The second step was restoring economic growth, social justice, and stability in Kashmir. The third step was conducting elections, which saw a massive turnout. The only thing left now is the return of the stolen part of Kashmir, which is under illegal Pakistani occupation. Once that happens, Kashmir will be fully resolved.”

Jaishankar’s response sent a strong message, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to reclaiming PoK. 

India’s Political Consensus on Reclaiming PoK

This is not the first time S Jaishankar has spoken decisively about PoK. On May 9, 2024, while addressing students at Delhi University’s Gargi College, he reiterated that PoK is an integral part of India. He highlighted a parliamentary resolution that underscores India’s commitment to reclaiming the region. Jaishankar emphasised that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was a crucial step in shifting focus towards PoK. According to him, before any action can be taken, the issue must first become a priority in the minds of the people.

Past Inaction and the Need to Reclaim PoK

During an event in Cuttack, Odisha, on May 5, 2024, S Jaishankar stressed that PoK has always been part of India. He criticised past governments for not taking proactive steps to reclaim the region. He compared the situation to a homeowner allowing a thief to steal from their house due to negligence.

Jaishankar pointed out that after independence, India failed to push Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories, leading to the current situation. He asserted that for decades, the issue of PoK was sidelined, but now it has resurfaced as a crucial topic in national discussions.

S Jaishankar