India and Pakistan: Peace Representations

Baroness Chapman of Darlington Excerpts

Thursday 17th July 2025 Grand Committee

[The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Hussain, for securing and introducing this important discussion. We focused particularly on issues around water and Kashmir, and I will do my best to set out the representations that the Government have made to the Governments of India and Pakistan to bring about peace between the two countries. I will specifically make sure that I include Kashmir and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, as he asked me to do.

I begin by reaffirming the United Kingdom’s long-standing commitment to peace, stability and prosperity in south Asia. Both India and Pakistan are valued and long-standing friends of the United Kingdom. We enjoy deep and historic ties with both countries, underpinned by vibrant diaspora communities, strong economic links and shared democratic values.

The recent terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April, which many noble Lords referred to, was a horrific reminder of the fragility of peace in the region. This Government condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms, including directly from the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary, and I am sure that all our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and the people of India. Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary have expressed their condolences and we continue to endorse efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In the days following the attack, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated significantly. The military exchanges that followed between 6 and 10 May raised serious concerns about the risk of escalating conflict between two states armed with nuclear weapons. Against this backdrop, the agreement reached on 10 May to cease further military action was a welcome development. Indeed, we commend both Governments for taking this important step and urge them to continue along the path of de-escalation.

The Government have made clear representations to both New Delhi and Islamabad at all levels. The Foreign Secretary visited Pakistan on 16 May and India on 7 June to convey our strong support for a continued cessation of hostilities. In both capitals, the Foreign Secretary engaged directly with senior leaders to convey the UK’s strong support for regional stability and encourage continued dialogue. In Islamabad, he met the chief of army staff, the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Dar and the Interior Minister. In New Delhi, he met Prime Minister Modi, the External Affairs Minister and NSA Doval. These visits were not only timely but essential in reinforcing our message that peace is in the shared interests of both nations and indeed the wider international community.

On the matter of Kashmir, the UK’s position remains unchanged. We regard the status of Kashmir as a bilateral issue to be resolved between India and Pakistan, taking into account the wishes of the Kashmiri people. We do not prescribe solutions, neither do we seek to mediate. However, we continue to encourage both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions. We are acutely aware of the sensitivities surrounding this issue and our goal is to support a peaceful and lasting resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of all communities.

Turning to the Indus Waters Treaty, we recognise its importance as a cornerstone of co-operation between India and Pakistan. Since its signing in 1960, the treaty has withstood numerous political and military crises. The treaty has served as a rare example of sustained bilateral engagement even during periods of heightened tension. Through our diplomatic engagements, the Government have made clear the importance of both countries finding a way to share water resources. This is critical, as noble Lords have said, both for regional stability and sustainable livelihoods. We have urged both parties to uphold their commitment and resolve any disputes through the established mechanisms under the treaty.

Water security is an increasingly pressing issue in south Asia, particularly in the context of climate change and growing demand. The UK is supporting efforts to improve water governance through our water resources accountability programme in Pakistan. This initiative is helping both federal and provincial governments make decisions about water use more fairly and efficiently. We continue to engage with international partners to support peacebuilding efforts in the region as well. We are in regular contact with our partners in the United States, the European Union and the Gulf states and believe that a co-ordinated consistent international approach is essential to encouraging dialogue and reducing the risk of further escalation.

In conclusion, His Majesty’s Government remain committed to supporting peace and stability in south Asia. As noble Lords have suggested, we will continue to use our diplomatic channels to encourage dialogue, promote co-operation and support efforts to address the underlying causes of conflict and, with sustained political will, work to build mutual trust and a commitment to dialogue from all parties involved. We believe that a peaceful and prosperous future for the region is possible. I express my thanks to noble Lords for their continued engagement on this important issue and I commend this debate to the Committee.

Committee adjourned at 4.50 pm.