External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Kashmir issue on Wednesday, outlining the steps taken by the Indian government, including the abrogation of Article 370, the restoration of economic growth and activity, and the successful holding of elections.
During a discussion with Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, held in collaboration with the High Commission of India, Jaishankar also addressed the viewpoints of BRICS member countries on the role of the U.S. dollar in the global economy.
Jaishankar pointed out that the high voter turnout in the elections was a key achievement in Kashmir. However, he stressed that the final unresolved issue is the return of the part of Kashmir under illegal Pakistani control. Once this issue is resolved, EAM Jaishankar assured, the Kashmir matter will be fully resolved.
The foreign minister also addressed several other topics, including India’s relationship with China, the internationalization of the rupee, and the role of the dollar in the global economy, as well as the positions of BRICS countries on this issue.
“I don’t believe there is any policy on our part to replace the dollar,” he said. “At the end of the day, the dollar, as the reserve currency, is essential for international economic stability. What the world needs right now is more stability, not less. I would also say, in all honesty, that I don’t think there is a unified BRICS position on this. With more members in BRICS now, the countries hold diverse views on this matter. Therefore, the assumption that BRICS is united against the dollar is not supported by the facts. It seems almost inevitable that multi-polarity will extend to currencies, but it doesn’t necessarily have to.”
“We believe that strengthening our relationship with the United States and reinforcing the international financial and economic systems should be the priority. Our strategic assessments and our understanding of what is required by the global economy will guide our approach to this issue”, he added.
