Importance of transparent dialogue for UK-India ties

Tuesday 27th August 2019 10:04 EDT
 

I have been following this Kashmir issue and the reaction of the 2 diaspora communities- Indiand and Pakistanis in the UK. What was the most surprising is the conversation between UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the offices issued separate statements with different versions of the conversation.

Downing Street in a statement said: “The two leaders agreed on the importance of the UK-India partnership and the need to build on it further, particularly through trade and economic ties and through the living bridge that links our countries. Prime Minister Modi said there are immense possibilities for the UK and India which would increase prosperity in both countries.

“The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the current situation in Kashmir. The Prime Minister made clear that the UK views the issue of Kashmir is one for India and Pakistan to resolve bilaterally. He underlined the importance of resolving issues through dialogue.”

It did not mention a word about Mr Johnson's regret about the violence outside India House. Whereas the Prime Minister's Office in India wrote: “Prime Minister Modi pointed out that terrorism had plagued all parts of the world, including India and Europe. He stressed the importance of effective steps to ward off the threats posed by radicalisation, violence and intolerance, particularly in the context of the expanding footprint of terrorist organisations such as ISIS.

“Prime Minister Modi also drew attention to the challenges posed by vested interests pursuing their motivated agenda, including by violent means. In this context he referred to the violence and vandalism perpetrated by a large mob against the High Commission of India in London on the last Independence Day of India. Prime Minister Johnson regretted the incident and assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of the High Commission, its personnel and visitors.”

No 10 should realise while UK wants to strengthen its relationship with India, it is about time to remain transparent and highlight the real gist of the conversation. The diaspora is the 'living bridge' and an integral part of the UK-India ties.

Aninash Patel

Camden


comments powered by Disqus



to the free, weekly Asian Voice email newsletter