Salman Khurshid Applauds Article 370 Abrogation, Calls it a Catalyst for Prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir

Jakarta, Indonesia – In a notable departure from his party’s traditional stance, senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid praised the Narendra Modi-led government's decision to abrogate Article 370, describing the move as a pivotal step towards stability and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Khurshid, who is part of a multi-party parliamentary delegation visiting Indonesia to engage with policymakers and academic institutions, made the remarks while addressing local think tanks and scholars on Thursday. The delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, is part of a broader initiative to present India’s position on key geopolitical matters, including the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Khurshid: Article 370 Was a Long-Standing Obstacle

Speaking candidly, Khurshid referred to Article 370 as “a major problem” that had historically contributed to perceptions of separatism within Kashmir. “For a long time, Kashmir remained entangled in a constitutional ambiguity that Article 370 represented. Its removal in August 2019 brought an end to that uncertainty,” he said, according to reports from news agency ANI.

Highlighting the post-abrogation developments, Khurshid noted, “We have seen democratic participation with over 65% voter turnout in the recent elections. There is now an elected government in place, and the region has begun to experience tangible prosperity.” He emphasized that reversing this progress would be counterproductive.

Cross-Party Acknowledgment of Ground Realities

Khurshid’s remarks mark a growing trend of senior Congress leaders diverging from the party’s official position on the matter. Previously, MPs Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari have taken similar stands during international visits. Tharoor, while visiting Guyana and Panama, strongly criticized Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism, while Tewari categorically dismissed claims that the United States had mediated in the India-Pakistan ceasefire process—a notion previously challenged by Congress leadership in response to statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Indonesia Receptive to India’s Position

Reflecting on the delegation’s engagements in Indonesia, Khurshid remarked that the host nation’s response had exceeded expectations. “They were deeply engaged and expressed clear support for India’s position. The narratives promoted by Pakistani military leadership were firmly rejected during our discussions,” he said.

He reiterated India’s longstanding parliamentary resolution asserting that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) remains an integral part of the country. “India has always maintained that dialogue with Pakistan is possible only when there is credible evidence of a cessation in support for terrorism,” Khurshid added, referencing broader geopolitical issues such as the Indus Waters Treaty and ongoing diplomatic dynamics in the region.