World

No change in US Policy on Kashmir: State Department

Update: 05:53, 11 February 2021

No change is being made on America s Kashmir policy and Washington still considers both Jammu and Kashmir as a territory disputed between India and Pakistan. Clarifies The United States State Department.

The clarification_ given at a news briefing on Wednesday afternoon_ followed a string of statements by US President Joe Biden and senior officials of his administration_ outlining their policies towards the South and Central Asian regions.

The region includes India_ Pakistan_ Afghanistan and China and the policy outlines indicate a gradual change of emphasis from Pakistan and Afghanistan to China. The statements also show a greater US reliance on India to help counter China s growing influence in the region. But the clarification on the Kashmir issue shows that the Biden administration is not insensitive to Pakistan s concerns either.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a briefing_ I want to be very clear_ there has been no change in US policy in the region.

In answer to a Journalists question_ Price said_ This marks an important step for local residents_ and we look forward to continuing political & economic progress to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir."

At the State Department briefing_ journalists also asked the US official to comment on Twitter s decision to block over 500 accounts after the Indian government accused them of making inflammatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

I would say generally that around the world we are committed to supporting democratic values_ including freedom of expression_ Price said. When it comes to Twitter s policies_ we d have to refer you to Twitter itself.

Spokesperson Price also said the US was closely monitoring the situation along the India-China border and was concerned about Beijing s attempts to intimidate its neighbours".

At his daily briefing Price also added_ As always_ we will stand with friends_ we will stand with partners_ we will stand with allies to advance our shared prosperity_ security and values in this case_ the Indo-Pacific.

Although no talk has been held between US President Joe Biden and Pakistani prime minister. Meanwhile the new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken did call his counterpart_ Shah Mehmood Qureshi last week_ and reiterated the US desire to strengthen ties with the South Asian Country.