Ahead of German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to India early next month, Germany has said that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal issue of India.
Interacting with the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents in New Delhi, German Ambassador to India Walter J Lindner said that the revocation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir are internal matters of India. However, he viewed the situation in the valley as a “challenge.”
Full coverage: Kashmir turmoil
Acknowledging that developments in Jammu and Kashmir are internal to India, the German envoy said that the situation has regional ramifications.
To a question about Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s warning of a war with India during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Lindner said that things do not seem to be right in today’s era, adding, Germany would like human rights to be taken care of in Jammu and Kashmir.
The German envoy also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving a restrained speech in contrast to Pakistan leader who was provocative in his address at the UNGA.
Expressing hope that there will be no second Kargil, the German envoy told the media that the fight against terrorism is more important than even a verbal war.
Sharing his impression of his earlier travels to Kashmir, the envoy that there is a shortage of employment and that people are tired of violence and the people are seeking boats, hotels, tourists and peace.
“The Indian government has said that the steps taken will help in the development and all this will change. So all are watching that it changes for the better,” he said.
German Chancellor’s visit
While the dates have not been announced officially, the visit is expected in the first week of November for the biennial summit-level meeting. Accompanied by a high-level official delegation, the focus during her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on the fight against terrorism, climate change and defence cooperation. And will also cooperation in sectors including artificial intelligence, global warming, development and economic relations.
Watch – ‘Pakistan’s plans will fail if J&K moves towards development’: Jaishankar (Provided by Hindustan Times)
Like us on Facebook to see similar stories
Please give an overall site rating: