Keir Starmer’s Shift on Kashmir Dispute: What It Means for India-UK Relations

The recent landslide victory of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer’s leadership has set the stage for a potential transformation in the relationship between the UK and India, particularly concerning the longstanding Kashmir issue. In the past, the Labour Party, under Jeremy Corbyn, had taken a more critical stance on Kashmir, advocating for international intervention and a UN-led referendum for the region. However, Starmer has signaled a departure from this approach, emphasizing that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.

Following his meeting with the Labour Friends of India (LFIN), Starmer reiterated the importance of not allowing sub-continent issues to divide communities in the UK. He emphasized that any constitutional issues in India should be addressed by the Indian Parliament, while Kashmir remains a bilateral issue for India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully.

The shift in stance by Starmer marks a significant departure from Corbyn’s approach, which had drawn criticism from the UK’s Indian community. Corbyn’s motion in 2019, calling for international observers in Kashmir and emphasizing the right of self-determination for Kashmiris, had sparked controversy.

The move by Starmer to recalibrate the Labour Party’s position on Kashmir is expected to generate debate and division within the party. While some, like Guardian columnist Owen Jones, have expressed disappointment at what they see as a softening of the party’s stance, others, like newly elected Labour MP Tahir Ali, have called for an end to atrocities in Indian-held Kashmir.

As Starmer navigates the complexities of the Kashmir issue and seeks to forge stronger ties with India, the future of India-UK relations under his leadership remains to be seen. The evolving dynamics between the two countries, especially in areas like trade, immigration, and security, will be closely watched as Starmer’s government takes shape.