British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday called upon Pakistan and India to resolve the protracted Kashmir dispute without any third party intervention.
The British PM made these remarks in a phone call to Indian premier Narendra Modi, as Kashmir issue continues to seethe after the abolition of articles 370 and 35-A, robbing the occupied region of its autonomous status in a widely unpopular move.
Tensions are soaring at either side of the Line of Control as the human rights organisations believe the abrogation of the special status can pave way for a major demographic shift in the Muslim-majority restive region.
As Kashmir stays under lockdown for the past fortnight, Pakistan and Indian armies have also stepped up skirmishes at the LoC, with the recent one resulting in the killings of six Indian soldiers and three Pakistani civilians.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “Prime Minister Modi began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment.
“The two leaders agreed on the importance of the UK-India partnership and the need to build on it further, particularly through trade and economic ties and through the living bridge that links our countries. Prime Minister Modi said there are immense possibilities for the UK and India which would increase prosperity in both countries.
“The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue.
“Ahead of the G7, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi agreed on the importance of working together to tackle climate change and other threats to biodiversity. They looked forward to meeting at the summit this weekend to discuss this and other issues.”
