Keir Starmer, set to be the UK’s next prime minister, has changed the Labor Party’s stance on Kashmir

London:

One of the first challenges for Keir Starmer as UK prime minister will be to restore the Labor Party’s ties with India, which have been tumultuous over his comments on Kashmir. Starmer led the party to a landslide victory in the general election, a result that spelled doom for Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party.

In the past, the Labor Party has often been criticized for its stance on the Kashmir issue. His stance contrasts sharply with the British government’s view that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

Under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, the party passed an emergency motion in September 2019 calling on international observers to “enter” Kashmir and demand the right to self-determination for its people. It also called on Corbyn to meet with the high commissioners of India and Pakistan to ensure there is “mediation” and restoration of peace and normality to avoid a potential nuclear conflict.

The resolution was criticized by India as an effort to “please the interests of voter banks”.

Starmer, realizing the importance of ties to the world’s fastest growing economy, set out on a mission to right the wrongs made by his party in the past. His manifesto included a commitment to pursue a “new strategic partnership” with India, emphasizing the trade agreement.

During meetings with the Indian diaspora and public speeches, Starmer stated that Kashmir is an internal issue and will be resolved by India and Pakistan.

“Any constitutional issues in India are a matter for the Indian Parliament, and Kashmir is a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully,” he said during a meeting with the Labor Friends of India.

During his election campaign, Starmer embarked on outreach efforts, denouncing Hinduphobia and celebrating cultural festivals such as Diwali and Holi.

This political adjustment aims to rebuild trust with the Anglo-Indian community and promote stronger trade ties with India, a critical aspect of the Labor Party’s international agenda.

The Labor Party, out of power for more than a decade, has also outlined a foreign policy of “progressive realism,” emphasizing pragmatic approaches to global challenges such as climate change and international security. Starmer’s manifesto includes plans for a new strategic partnership with India, focusing on trade agreements and cooperation on technology, security, education and environmental issues.

Labor passed the magic 326-seat majority in the House of Commons just before 5am on Friday, confirming a change of government that had been predicted for months but is still a remarkable turnaround for Starmer’s party in a single electoral cycle. Starmer will now replace Sunak as prime minister on Friday, ending the Conservatives’ 14-year hold on power.