New Delhi, July 16: Ruling out mediation on Kashmir, Britain today said it was ready to "help" reduce tensions between India and Pakistan and create the right conditions for productive dialogue. Delivering a lecture at the British Council here, British high commissioner Sir Rob Young observed that Kashmir used to be a bone of contention between India and the UK. The Indian government was suspicious and critical of the British government's position, he said.
"But mutual concern about terrorism and the need to work for an end to support for cross-border terrorism, have brought the two governments together," he said while speaking on 'India and the UK: Reflections on a Modern Partnership'. "There is no question of mediation. Kashmir is an issue between India and Pakistan, and has to be resolved by the two countries,” he said.
"But if the UK can help to reduce tensions and create the right conditions for productive dialogue, we shall," he said adding, "I believe this issue is now adding another layer of confidence and trust to the relationship." Noting that both India and the UK have suffered the terrible effects of terrorism at first hand, Sir Rob said terrorism was an attack on the human rights and civil liberties of all people. Bureau Report