President Trump in India Trip and Looming Kashmir Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump along with his wife and first lady of the USA Melania Trump would be embarking on his first official visit to India as President of USA on 24-25 Feb where he will meet Indian leadership. The timing of the President’s visit is pivotal as the visit is taking place at a time when India is facing severe backlash from the global community including U.S. over its illegal actions in Indian Occupied Kashmir and controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). In various states of India, protests and agitations are underway where people of all religious communities are demanding from government to take back the controversial CAA, which is discriminatory against the Muslims and will tarnish the image of secular India, they say. In further pursuance of its nationalist policies, India government had imposed curfew in Kashmir and out the entire state under the communication blockade on August 5 last year which is still there in place. 

 

International community and organizations both are criticizing India for its inhumane approach towards Muslims. On the issue of Human Rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, USA has already conveyed its grave concerns to Indian authorities.

 

 

It’s been six months when people of Kashmir have had enjoyed basic facilities in the valley. After the abrogation of Article 370, the valley is facing shortage of food, medicine and other basic needs. Due to the Indian actions, a humanitarian crisis has developed in the entire valley. People of Kashmir have been made to stay inside their homes. The members of American Congress have written many times to Indian government over its illegal actions in Kashmir. Unfortunately, Indian government is paying no heed to their concerns and continue with its policies to target Muslims in the country. The onus is now on the Trump administration to exert pressure on the Indian government. The upcoming visit of President Trump is an ideal opportunity to convince Indian government to lift the entire communication blockade in Kashmir and initiate dialogue with Pakistan. 

 

For the benefit of the region, international community including U.S. have to set aside their economic interests with India for the sake of Kashmiris. The world shouldn’t look towards India through the prism of emerging market. These economic benefits are strengthening Indian heinous intentions and giving an ample reason to the Hindu fanatics to continue with their Hindutva policies. On the other hand, Pakistan has done enough to curb terrorism and extremism, PM Imran Khan tried many times to reach out to Indian leadership for dialogue. But, the clique of Hindu fanatics is not interested in friendship and peace with Pakistan. Ultranationalist Hindus are pursuing the policies of ‘Akhand Bharat’. Their animosity towards minorities in India is clear cut violations of all international laws and norms. However, due to the silence of international community, the Indian government is expanding these policies throughout the country. The implementation of CAA across the country is another example of human rights violations and demonstrations of anti-Muslim sentiments among Hindu fanatics. Indian government didn’t bother itself to even rethink its actions against Muslim community. The brutal use of force against the peaceful protestors is condemnable. 

 

 

Despite the repeated Indian attempts to defend its illegitimate actions on CAA and Article 370, international community seems least convinced. The time has come now for President Trump to honour its mediation offers on Kashmir. The whole world will be keenly watching the visit of President Trump to India. Before the visit, Indian government took foreign diplomats based in India to Kashmir just to pretend all is well in the valley. It is now President Trump’s turn to use his influence and good chemistry with PM Modi to resolve the Kashmir issue. If President Trump plays his role in resolving Kashmir issue, he will surely be remembered. But, the inept Indian response to his offer is making the things difficult and making this region more volatile. 

 

President Trump understands the inflicting nature of Indo-Pak bilateral ties. He also understands the ultimate consequences of Indo-Pak war and rivalry for the entire world. So, while being in India, Kashmir will be seeking his attention. Let’s see how the visit will go and how it will impact Indian decisions. We have to wait for the conclusion of this visit. If President Trump didn’t does anything concrete on Kashmir while being in India, the things will be different in future and his offer will be remembered as mere political one. 

 

President Trump should raise his voice over the autocratic policies of Indian government which are causing chaos within India. PM Modi will also try to muster Trump’s support over these issue while the US leaders’ presence in India. Whatever Modi do, Kashmir crisis will be looming in India. It is time for the US not to see India through the prism of economic market for its export. It is indeed the responsibility of entire world not US only to pressurize India to stop taking indiscriminately policies against Muslims. The world has to exert pressure on India to lift of curfew and blockade in Kashmir.