India has termed the reference to Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations as unwarranted, asserting that the state was an integral part of the country. In an apparent reference to remarks by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Jammu and Kashmir at the UN General Assembly, UNGA, last week, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna in his address to the UNGA said, India's principled position on the issue has been consistent and is well known. Krishna also asserted that people of Jammu and Kashmir have reaffirmed their destiny repeatedly through India's well-established democratic processes.
Zardari in his address to the UN General Assembly last week raked up the issue of Kashmir, saying that Kashmir remains a symbol of failures, rather than strengths of the UN system.
In his address, Krishna said India has embarked on a resumed dialogue process with Pakistan and advocates a step-by-step approach to normalizing their bilateral relations.
Zardari had said that the resolution of the issue of Kashmir can only be arrived at in an environment of cooperation.He said that Pakistan will continue to support the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to peacefully choose their destiny in accordance with the UN Security Council's long-standing resolutions on this matter.
Krishna said that within South Asia, India has sought to enhance bilateral relations individually with each of its neighbors and through the aegis of the SAARC.He added,India desires constructive and friendly relations with all its neighbors. We have a vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region with enhanced cooperation and connectivity linking us with Central Asia, the Gulf and South-East Asia.
Krishna also voiced concern over the continuing existence of safe havens and sanctuaries for terrorists beyond Afghanistan's borders, which he said is the major impediment to the restoration of peace and security in Afghanistan.He said India remains ready to partner with Afghanistan in its path towards a peaceful and stable nation.
Krishna said India is committed to creating an enabling environment where the Afghan people can live in peace and security and decide their future themselves, without outside interference, coercion and intimidation.
The expatriate Indian Community in the West Asia region is paying homage to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Indian Consulate in Dubai has organized a musical evening dedicated to the favourite Bhajans of Bapu by vocalists from India. The relevance of Mahatma’s preaching on truth, non violence and respect for humanity will always be relevant. The latest in the contemporary world has been the address by the US President Barak Obama to UN Gneneral Assembly who invoked the people to follow the steps of Mahatma Gandhi in context of the violence in the Middle East region.
