Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in (a) India and (b) Pakistan on the situation in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

​The British Government is in regular contact with both countries, urging dialogue and diplomatic solutions to ensure regional stability. I welcome both countries publicly stating they do not want to escalate tensions further and their willingness to work with, and through, the international community. On Wednesday 27 February, I spoke to the Indian and Pakistan High Commissioners and pressed the importance of de-escalation. During a pre-arranged visit to India on 1-3 March, I discussed with Foreign Secretary Gokhale steps to decrease tension and improve regional stability, including vital efforts to tackle terrorism. I made a Statement to the House on this subject on 7 March.