LONDON: The British Parliament has urged renewed diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute, warning that the continued erosion of democratic rights in the region and rising tensions could threaten regional peace and stability.
In a detailed report issued by the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee—part of a broader review of the UK’s strategy in South Asia—lawmakers expressed deep concern over the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir since August 2019. That was when India revoked Article 370, which had granted the region a special constitutional status.
The committee cited a sharp deterioration in civil liberties, increased military presence, restrictions on press freedom, and arbitrary detentions in the area, concluding that there has been a “marked erosion of democratic rights” in Indian-held Kashmir.
The report also evaluated the state of governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, acknowledging differences from the Indian side but still noting issues such as limited democratic representation and constitutional ambiguity. It recommended that the UK government continue monitoring human rights conditions on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).
While reaffirming the UK’s official position that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, the committee emphasized that this stance should not prevent the UK from voicing concerns—particularly regarding human rights violations. The report urged the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to take a more proactive and balanced approach, using Britain’s historical ties with both countries to encourage constructive dialogue.
One of the key recommendations was to allow greater international access to both parts of the disputed region, including visits by British parliamentarians and diplomats. Lawmakers also advised the UK government to remain impartial and to root its diplomatic efforts in core British values such as democracy, rule of law, and human rights.
Importantly, the report highlighted the need to listen to the UK’s large Kashmiri diaspora and to reflect their concerns in foreign policy decisions. It called for using this influence to promote peace and reconciliation in the region.
Titled “India and Pakistan: A UK Foreign Policy Strategy for the 2020s,” the 42-page report forms part of a larger examination of Britain’s evolving foreign policy in the face of rising authoritarianism in South Asia. It warned that continued instability in Kashmir could have serious global consequences, including the potential for a nuclear conflict.
The committee also sharply criticised India’s actions, including what it described as the use of a “suspicious incident” in Kashmir to justify military aggression against Pakistan—an act the report claims endangered regional peace. India was also accused of obstructing progress on resolving the Kashmir issue by disregarding United Nations resolutions.
The report did not spare the international community either, accusing both the United States and the United Kingdom of failing to adequately respond to the Kashmir crisis. It praised Pakistan for maintaining a restrained, law-abiding approach during recent escalations.
While recognizing the sensitivities involved, the UK Parliament concluded that remaining passive is no longer a viable option. Instead, it advocated for discreet yet principled diplomacy, consistent rights monitoring, and balanced engagement with both New Delhi and Islamabad.
The UK government is expected to respond formally to the committee’s recommendations in the coming months.
