Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Indian counterpart on the restoration of the autonomy of Kashmir and Jammu; and what pressure the Government will apply to encourage an end to the violation of human rights in that region.

We are monitoring the situation in Kashmir closely and are in regular contact with the Governments of both India and Pakistan. Regarding representations to India specifically, the Prime Minister has spoken to Prime Minister Modi about the situation, underlining the importance of maintaining dialogue. The Foreign Secretary has raised his concerns about the situation with the Indian Minister for External Affairs Dr Jaishankar. The Minister for the Commonwealth, UN and South Asia has also had regular engagement with the Indian High Commissioner, and discussed Kashmir with the Indian Minister of Minority Affairs during his visit to New Delhi this month.

We recognise that there are human rights concerns in both India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. We encourage all states to ensure domestic laws are in line with international standards. Any allegation of human rights abuse is deeply concerning and must be investigated thoroughly, promptly, transparently and independently.

The Government’s longstanding position is that it is for India and Pakistan to find a lasting political resolution to the situation in Kashmir, taking into account the wishes of Kashmiri people. It is not for the UK to prescribe a solution or act as mediator. We encourage India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue and find lasting, diplomatic solutions to maintain regional stability.