Emmanuel Macron Says He Discussed Kashmir With PM Narendra Modi, Will Tell Imran Khan to Resolve Issue Bilaterally
Backing New Delhi's position on Jammu and Kashmir that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, Emmanuel Macron asserted that no third party should interfere or incite violence there.
Chantilly, August 23: French President Emmanuel Macron said he discussed the Kashmir issue with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 90-minute long one-on-one meeting at Chateau de Chantilly, France, on Thursday. Backing New Delhi's position on Jammu and Kashmir that it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan, Emmanuel Macron asserted that no third party should interfere or incite violence there.
"PM Modi told me about Jammu and Kashmir, and I said that Pakistan and India should resolve the situation, and we do not want that a third party should step in or spoil the situation or incite violence," Macron told reporters at a joint press conference with PM Narendra Modi. "PM Modi explained what are the developments and changes he has brought there in Kashmir, and that it is part of India's sovereignty, and it important that there is calm, and we should take steps to ensure the situation is not allowed to turn violent," he added. Indian Air Force To Get First of 36 Rafale Jet in September, Says PM Narendra Modi in France.
Macron said he would speak to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the issue and tell him that the talks should be held bilaterally. In a separate joint statement, the French President also endorsed Modi’s call for a global conference on terrorism. Here it may be noted that France backed India at the UN Security Council’s closed-door consultations on Jammu and Kashmir. PM Narendra Modi Arrives in France For G7 Summit, Meets President Emmanuel Macron at Historic Chateau de Chantilly, See Pics.
Joint Press Conference of PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron:
Without mentioning Kashmir, Modi said: "For two decades we have been taking strides on the path of our strategic partnership. We are dependable partners, and during tough times have understood each others' points of view and also backed it. President Macron and I discussed all aspects of our relationship."
Earlier, the Prime Minister was accorded a red carpet welcome at the airport where he was received by Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. "India and France enjoy extremely friendly ties and have been working together bilaterally and multilaterally for years," Modi tweeted. During his two-day visit, Modi will also meet his French counterpart Edouard Philippe and interact with the Indian community.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 23, 2019 08:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).