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Source: The post Global reaction to the change in J&K’s status has been created on the article “How the world reacted to Article 370 abrogation, how SC verdict helps India” published in “Indian express” on 15th December 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- constitutional amendment & International relation- India and its neighborhood- relations.
News: The article discusses the global reaction to both India’s Parliament revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold this constitutional amendment.
Background
In 2019, India’s Parliament annulled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and enacted the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Bill. This legislation divided the region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, which retained its legislature, and Ladakh, which did not.
Recently the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370.which had previously granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Read More About the SC Judgement on abrogation of Article 370
What were the international reactions after India’s Parliament revoked J&K’s special status under Article 370?
Pakistan: Strongly opposed India’s move.
China: Criticized the creation of Ladakh as a Union Territory, claiming it affected its sovereignty; expressed concern over regional stability.
Islamic Countries: Mixed reactions; UAE and Saudi Arabia saw it as India’s internal matter, while Turkey and Malaysia criticized the decision.
Western Nations & EU: Expressed concerns over potential instability and human rights issues; emphasized dialogue between India and Pakistan.
Russia: Supported India, viewing the changes as within India’s constitutional framework and a bilateral issue.
What is the Supreme Court’s verdict on this matter?
What were the international reactions following the Supreme Court’s verdict?
Limited International Reaction: Apart from Pakistan, China, and the OIC, there were no major global reactions to the Supreme Court’s verdict on 370.
Pakistan: Refused to recognize the Indian Constitution’s supremacy over Jammu and Kashmir.
China: Did not acknowledge Ladakh as a Union Territory, asserting a claim on the western section of the China-India border.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Urged reversal of abrogation of 370.
India’s Response: Dismissed OIC’s statements, attributing them to Pakistan’s influence and labeling Pakistan as a promoter of cross-border terrorism.
What diplomatic efforts were made in relation to this change?
UN Security Council Engagement: After India’s outreach to UNSC members, the US, France, and Germany, as part of the UNSC, preferred not to internationalize the issue, supporting a bilateral resolution instead. Poland, holding the UNSC Presidency at the time, also supported this approach.
High-Level Diplomatic Talks:
Government approached France, China, Europe and US to gather support in favor of abrogation. Majority of these countries backed India.
J&K Tours: The Indian government conducted tours of J&K for the international diplomatic community.
What should be done?
Organize free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir as directed by the Supreme Court.
Ensuring the protection of human rights in the region is crucial to maintain international credibility.
India should seek to reduce tensions and explore engagement opportunities with Pakistan.
India must continue its diplomatic efforts to communicate its stance and developments in J&K to the international community.
Question for practice:
Discuss the international reactions to India’s Parliament revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and the Supreme Court’s subsequent verdict on this constitutional change.
