DMK’s double standards on Katchatheevu issue rapped

By MSV On Apr 5, 2024

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accused DMK of double standards on the Katchatheevu island issue.

He also alleged the DMK had inconsistent positions on the matter.

He stated that the ruling party in Tamil Nadu was significantly involved in the talks between the Central government and Sri Lanka.

“I think the most important is that the people of Tamil Nadu should know the truth. When the Central government was negotiating the issue, they were actually consulting the then-state government, which was led by the DMK, but that was kept a secret. So, DMK was very much a party to these negotiations, very much a party to this outcome,” he said while addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.

Mr. Jaishankar also said the federal government would never accept that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is not an integral part of India. He said this is not just the BJP’s but the national position.

“The Parliament has taken a united stand, and every political party of this country supported that stand. The central issue where Pakistan is concerned has been related to terrorism. We are a party and government which has been very clear that we will not ignore terrorism. When terrorism happens, we will deal with it. That has been our record,” he pointed out.

While admitting India’s relationships with Pakistan and China were “abnormal,” the Union Minister maintained that ties with neighboring countries have improved under the Narendra Modi government. “We have a very competitive, challenging relationship with China. But this is a country [India] that is today confident and capable of advancing and defending its interests,” he said.

Without making any direct references, he said, “There may be forces in the neighborhood and forces behind forces that create problems, and there may be people in India who like to play out this problem. But India’s relationship with neighboring countries except Pakistan and China has been much better than it has been for a long time,” Mr. Jaishankar added.