One of the first challenges for Keir Starmer as UK Prime Minister will be to restore the Labour Party’s relationship with India, which has become strained due to his comments on Kashmir. Starmer led the party to a landslide victory in the general election, which resulted in heavy losses for Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party.
In the past, the Labour Party has often faced criticism for its stance on the Kashmir issue. Their stance has been in stark contrast to the British government’s view that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.
Under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, the party had passed an emergency motion in September 2019 demanding international observers to “enter” Kashmir and demand the right of self-determination for its people. It also called on Mr Corbyn to meet the high commissioners of both India and Pakistan to “mediate” to avert a potential nuclear conflict and ensure the restoration of peace and normalcy.
India strongly criticised the proposal, calling it an attempt to “serve vote bank interests”.
Starmer realised how important the relationship with the world’s fastest-growing economy was, so he embarked on a mission to correct the mistakes the party had made in the past. His manifesto included a commitment to pursue a “new strategic partnership” with India, with an emphasis on a trade deal.
During meetings with Indian expatriates and public addresses, Starmer said that Kashmir was an internal issue and would be resolved by India and Pakistan.
“Any constitutional issue in India is a matter of the Indian Parliament and Kashmir is a bilateral issue which should be resolved peacefully by India and Pakistan,” he said during a meeting with Labour Friends of India.
During his election campaign, Starmer launched outreach efforts by condemning Hinduphobia and celebrating cultural festivals such as Diwali and Holi.
This policy adjustment is aimed at rebuilding trust with the British-Indian community and building stronger trading ties with India, a key aspect of Labour’s international agenda.
The Labour Party, out of power for more than a decade, has also outlined a foreign policy of “progressive realism”, emphasising a pragmatic approach to global challenges such as climate change and international security. Starmer’s manifesto includes plans for a new strategic partnership with India, focusing on trade agreements and cooperation in technology, security, education and environmental issues.
Labour passed the magic figure of 326 seats for a majority in the House of Commons just before 5am on Friday, confirming a change in government that had been predicted for months but still a remarkable turnaround for Starmer’s party in a single election cycle. Starmer will now replace Sunak as prime minister on Friday, ending the Tories’ 14-year grip on power.
