Keir Starmer faces an early hurdle as UK Prime Minister: rebuilding Labour Party relations with India, strained by controversial remarks on Kashmir. Leading the party to a decisive victory in the general elections dealt a severe blow to Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party.
Historically, the Labour Party has faced criticism for its position on the Kashmir issue, which diverges sharply from the British government’s stance that Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan.
Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership in September 2019, the party passed an urgent motion advocating for international observers to enter Kashmir and support the region’s right to self-determination.
The motion also urged Corbyn to engage with the high commissioners of India and Pakistan to facilitate mediation and restore peace, thereby averting a potential nuclear conflict.
India criticized the resolution as an attempt to cater to electoral interests.
Recognizing the significance of relations with the world’s fastest-growing economy, Starmer embarked on a mission to rectify his party’s previous missteps. His manifesto pledged to forge a “new strategic partnership” with India, focusing particularly on advancing a trade agreement.
In meetings with the Indian diaspora and in public speeches, Starmer reiterated that the Kashmir issue is internal to India and Pakistan and should be resolved through bilateral dialogue between the two countries.
He stated during a meeting with Labour Friends of India that any constitutional matters in India are the responsibility of the Indian Parliament, and emphasized that the issue of Kashmir should be peacefully resolved through bilateral discussions between India and Pakistan.
During his election campaign, Starmer actively engaged in outreach activities, condemning Hinduphobia and participating in cultural celebrations such as Diwali and Holi.
This policy shift is intended to restore confidence within the British-Indian community and enhance economic relations with India, a pivotal element of Labour’s global strategy.
After more than a decade out of power, the Labour Party has articulated a foreign policy of “progressive realism,” highlighting practical approaches to global issues like climate change and international security.
Starmer’s manifesto outlines intentions for a fresh strategic alliance with India, prioritizing trade agreements and collaboration across technology, security, education, and environmental concerns.
Labour crossed the crucial threshold of 326 seats in the House of Commons just before 5 am on Friday, solidifying a government change that had been anticipated for months.
This marks a remarkable turnaround for Starmer’s party within a single electoral cycle. Starmer is set to assume the role of prime minister on Friday, bringing an end to the Conservatives’ 14-year tenure in power under Sunak.
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