Right to life most basic human right: Jaishankar to Sweden counterpart

As some members of the European Union community and US raised the issue of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir, sources told The Indian Express that the Indian position will be on the following lines — that cross-border terrorism would lead to loss of life, a violation of the right to life which is the most basic human right.

Jaishankar, in a series of tweets on Monday, said, “Wide-ranging conversation with Swedish FM. Discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in environment, manufacturing, health and Smart Cities. Urged greater mobility of Indian talent.”

“Discussed challenges of terrorism, especially cross-border terrorism. Emphasised that right to life is the most basic human right. Agreed to work together in international forums to address this key challenge of terrorism,” he tweeted.

“Strong identity of views on multilateralism. We agreed on a new consultation mechanism. Will cooperate closely in the UN,” he tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at Hyderabad House. (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

Sweden last week urged India to restore free movement and communication in Jammu and Kashmir. Among all countries that have reacted on the issue so far, Sweden’s response is the most recent.

Linde’s statement on Kashmir came as a written answer to a question by a member of the Left party in the Swedish parliament, Riksdag, on Thursday.

The foreign policy spokesperson of the Left Party, Håkan Svenneling, had asked whether Sweden would lead any initiatives on Kashmir due to the “escalating situation”.

India, Sweden sign three MoUs

India and Sweden on Monday signed three MoUs and agreements for cooperation in the fields of polar science and maritime sphere after talks between Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and President Ram Nath Kovind.

Separately, the Swedish King and Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the India-Sweden High-Level Policy Dialogue on Innovation Policy, during which the two sides emphasised the role of collaborative tech-innovation leadership of the two countries in meeting the challenges of the future, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted.

“Invigorating the India-Sweden friendship with closer cooperation in innovation and technology. His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf and I chaired the India-Sweden High-Level Policy Dialogue on Innovation Policy,” PM Modi tweeted.