Jaishankar Criticizes West, UN for Recasting Kashmir ‘Invasion’ as Dispute

At the Raisina Dialogue 2024 session “Thrones and Thorns: Defending the Integrity of Nations,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took aim at what he sees as double standards by the West and the United Nations over the Kashmir issue. He argued that what began as an “invasion” in Kashmir has been reframed as a dispute, effectively equating the aggressor with the victim.

Jaishankar pointed out that, following World War II, the longest-running illegal occupation of a territory by another country is happening in Kashmir. He controversially cited nations including the UK, Canada, Belgium, Australia, and even the US as “culpable parties” in this narrative. “What was an invasion was made into a dispute. The attacker and the victim were put on par. Who were the culpable parties? I have some question marks on that whole topic,” he stated.

He further criticized the West’s approach, noting that when Western countries project their values abroad, they claim it is in the name of democratic freedoms. In contrast, when non-Western nations engage with the West, their actions are viewed with suspicion. Jaishankar stressed that a robust global order requires not only strength but fairness, calling for a stronger and more impartial United Nations.

Highlighting inconsistencies in global responses, Jaishankar noted that military coups in Myanmar are condemned, while similar events in the West are often accepted without much criticism. He emphasized the need to reexamine the global power structure and adapt to the changed balance of influence.

Jaishankar also addressed the issue of the Taliban, remarking on the West’s shifting stance. He recalled that during earlier peace initiatives in Doha and Oslo, the Taliban were even welcomed despite their unconventional ways. “Now, if they are doing all these not so good things, what was discussed in Oslo and Doha? When it suits you to deal with the Taliban, they are okay. When not, they’re not. I think I have a problem with that,” he said.

The Raisina Dialogue, held in Delhi from March 17-19, serves as India’s premier forum on geopolitics and geoeconomics, organized by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.