In Brussels, foreign minister S Jaishankar defends CAA, Kashmir move | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

In Brussels, foreign minister S Jaishankar defends CAA, Kashmir move

Brussels | ByAgencies
Feb 18, 2020 03:41 AM IST

Lawmakers in the European Parliament have drafted a resolution condemning the CAA as “discriminatory and dangerously divisive”.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar, who is in Brussels to bolster relations with the European Union, on Monday defended the Centre’s decisions to amend the citizenship law and abrogate the special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar with European Council President Charles Michel prior to a meeting at the Europa building in Brussels on Monday.(AP Photo)
Foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar with European Council President Charles Michel prior to a meeting at the Europa building in Brussels on Monday.(AP Photo)

The minister is the guest of honour for EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels. EU president Ursula von der Leyen’s new Commission wants to give Brussels a more “geopolitical role” and as part of that hopes to host a March summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“India and the European Union share a lot of things,” said Europe’s high representative for foreign policy Josep Borrell, citing climate change, the digital revolution and rise of China as shared challenges.

Jaishankar, standing by Borrell, noted that the new government in India and the new commission in Brussels are “both quite fresh” and that they hoped to take relations to a “new level”.

He added that he hoped the lunch talks would confirm the “strategic partnership”.

Lawmakers in the European Parliament have drafted a resolution condemning the CAA as “discriminatory and dangerously divisive”. But Jaishankar said Delhi’s critics have misunderstood the government’s policy taken in by the politics of a “very passionate” democratic society.

Defending the Centre’s move on Kashmir, he said: “It’s our case that Jammu and Kashmir is moving in the right direction but we also have been honest enough in saying that, well, there are there are challenges still ahead.”

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Live Updates, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On