In a major diplomatic victory for India, the United Nations Security Council in a “closed consultation” on Friday acknowledged India’s measures to bring normalcy and development to Kashmir and wanted all countries to follow suit.
India’s diplomatic encirclement of Pakistan has been a success with the primacy of its position over Jammu and Kashmir being undisputed and unchallenged. Barring China, the world has accepted India’s position including the Arab world, formerly sponsors and supporters of Pakistan.
Friday’s consultative meeting was called by China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, on Islamabad’s request to discuss the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Although supporting India’s move on Kashmir, four countries among the P5 nations — Britain, France, Russia and the US — contended that India and Pakistan must address the Kashmir dispute in a bilateral set-up.
The Council met Friday morning for about an hour in a closed-door consultation at the request of China. In the format of the informal consultation, it was held without public access.
Council President Joanna Wronecka did not speak to the media or issue any advisory about the meeting.
India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin had apprised the UNSC of India’s efforts to bring normalcy and development to Kashmir.
On August 5, India ended special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, and decided to bifurcate the state two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Following this, Pakistan wrote a formal letter to the UNSC president calling for an emergency meeting of the UNSC to discuss India’s move to revoke the special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The letter was sent through Permanent Representative Maleha Lodhi to convene the meeting.
The UNSC has, however, declined to hold a formal session on Kashmir with Pakistan’s participation, and instead scheduled a closed-door consultation.
Pakistan had asked for a full-fledged meeting of the Council at which it could speak on New Delhi revoking Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution.
Then China asked for “closed door” meeting on the matter after assuring Pakistan of its support and commitment at the UN.
India had earlier briefed the UN Security Council’s five permanent members — US, Britain, France, China and Russia — on the abrogation of Article 370 and had explained that the changes made were to a “temporary” article.