Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department is taking help resolve the hostilities in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement.

The UK is deeply concerned about rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The UK has been, and continues to be, in close contact at senior levels in India and Pakistan. The Prime Minister spoke to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on 3 March to welcome his commitment to reducing tensions with India, and to emphasise the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups in support of global efforts to combat terrorism. During a visit to India between 28 February and 3 March, I met Indian Foreign Secretary Gokhale in New Delhi to express the UK's concern at current tensions and to encourage a peaceful diplomatic solution.

We are working hard, including with our international partners and the UN, to help India and Pakistan reduce tensions in order to safeguard regional stability. We welcome the fact that both countries have said they do not want to escalate tensions.