France following Kashmir closely; Modi, Macron discuss Iran crisis

In this article senior journalist Smita Sharma discusses how the situation in Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 and the US-Iran escalation figured in the first telephonic conversation held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emanuel Macron in the New Year.

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first official telephone conversation with French President Emanuel Macron in the New Year discussed the prevailing tensions in the Middle East and the Kashmir situation. France is one of the leading P5 countries invested in the JCPPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) or the nuclear agreement with Iran that Donald Trump walked out of in 2018.

France along with its European partners has been advocating a return to the dialogue table amid the escalating tension between Washington DC and Tehran which also claimed hundreds of lives following the downing of an Ukrainian civilian aircraft last week ‘accidentally’ shot down at for which Iran has claimed responsibility.

India has an eight million strong diaspora presence in the Gulf which risks being caught in any possible conflict in the region, in addition to its energy security and Chabahar port strategic stakes among other serious concerns.

“The President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of India expressed their shared view on the necessity of de-escalation in the Middle East. They agreed to work together towards easing tensions by urging the parties to show restraint and responsibility,” said an official release from the French Presidential Elysée Palace about the conversation between Macron and Modi on the 10th of January.

The situation in Kashmir was also a part of the conversation that took place just a day after the guided official tour of foreign envoys including the US, Norwegian and South Korean Ambassador to the valley and Jammu. The Ministry of External Affairs is in touch with envoys of the European Union member countries to facilitate a similar conducted tour to Kashmir in the coming days of which France is expected to be a part of.

‘In the spirit of trust and frankness that characterises their relations, the French President and the Indian Prime Minister discussed the situation in the region of Kashmir, which France continues to follow closely,’ said the formal statement.

The MEA has denied media reports that the EU envoys refused to be a part of the delegation visit last week as they want free access to meet civilians and detained political leaders including former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti.

MEA cited logistical issues as EU envoys wanted to travel to Srinagar as one group and so the necessity of a separate date for visit. An earlier private visit to Kashmir of some Members of the European Parliament comprising dominantly of leaders from far right parties in October of 2019, kicked off a huge political controversy leading to criticism of the Modi government.

Incidentally, while US ambassador Kenneth Juster was a part of the delegation that was briefed about ‘normalcy’ and security situation on the ground in the valley last week, the US administration too continues to express its concerns over the political detentions and communication restrictions in Kashmir.

“Closely following @USAmbIndia & other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step. We remain concerned by the detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy. AGW”, tweeted the US Department of State for South and Central Asian Affairs signed by Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Wells is currently undertaking a visit to Srilanka, India and Pakistan starting today.

“Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Wells will then travel to New Delhi, India, from January 15-18, to attend the Raisina Dialogue. She will also meet with senior government officials to advance the U.S.India strategic global partnership following the success of the 2019 U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, and will discuss topics of mutual interest with members of the business community and civil society,” said an official release earlier. Wells will head to Islamabad following her Delhi leg of the visit.

Meanwhile, Macron and Modi also discussed climate change and the Indo-Pacific strategy in their Friday conversation. “The two leaders expressed their interest in pursuing the strengthening of our partnership in the military and civil nuclear fields, as well as enhancing our operational cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,” said the French statement.