EU delegation meets PM Modi, NSA ahead of visit to J&K
29 Oct 2019
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A 28-member delegation of European parliamentarians on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and discussed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation will undertake a visit to the newly-formed union territory on Tuesday to take stock of the ground situation prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 that provided special status.
The NSA is reported to have briefed the delegation on the developments in Kashmir and prevailing terror threat across the country.
During his interaction with members of the delegation at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi, his official residence, the prime minister appreciated the importance the Parliamentarians attach to their relationship with India by visiting right at the beginning of their term.
Prime minister, while welcoming the delegation to India, expressed the hope that they have a fruitful visit to various parts of the country, including to Jammu and Kashmir. A visit to Jammu and Kashmir should give the delegation a better understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of the region of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh; apart from giving them a clear view of the development and governance priorities of the region, he added.
Talking about the need to strengthen engagement with EU on regional and global matters, the prime minister highlighted the importance of close international cooperation to fight terrorism.
He said India’s relationship with the European Union is based on shared interests and common commitment to democratic values. He also said an early conclusion of a fair and balanced BTIA is a priority for the government. He also mentioned about the growth of International Solar Alliance as a global partnership.
Prime minister highlighted the demographic diversity of India and the governance system that today enables people to move in aspirational direction.
Prime minister also underlined the focus of the government on ensuring Ease of Living for all Indians.
The visit by the European delegation is be the first-ever international visit to the union territory after the revocation of Article 370. The EU parliamentarians' visit to the UT comes at a time when the centre is making efforts to restore normalcy in the erstwhile state.
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, who had been put under house arrest ahead of the scrapping of Article 370, said she hoped the delegation would speak with the locals. “The iron curtain between Kashmir and the world needs to be lifted and GOI must be held accountable for pushing J&K into turmoil,” she tweeted.
