Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that de-escalation of military tensions in Kashmir are discussed in meetings with the (a) Indian and (b) Pakistani governments.

The UK Government is taking all the steps we can to ensure that recent developments do not lead to uncontrolled escalation. We encourage all to commit to effective channels of engagement to safeguard stability in the region.  Alongside international partners, the UK will continue to engage in dialogue in pursuit of long-term regional stability. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to his Indian and Pakistani counterparts to encourage all parties to take a measured approach. He has also spoken with US Secretary Rubio, French Foreign Minister Barrot and Gulf Partners to discuss the situation.