3. International Diplomatic Initiatives
The International Court of Justice announced that, on April 3, it will begin a week-long hearing regarding a Pakistani plane shot down by the Indian air force on August 10, 1999. Pakistan seeks $60.2 million in reparations, alleging that the plane was shot down in Pakistani airspace while on a routine training mission. India alleges that the plane traveled deep into Indian airspace before being shot down.
"ICJ to decide on jurisdiction in Pak plane downing case"
"World Court to open hearings on downed Pakistani plane"
Russian Duma speaker Gennady Seleznyov said that the Kashmir issue should be resolved on the basis of the 1972 Shimla agreement. A Time magazine analysis suggested that Japan might effectively mediate the Kashmir dispute.
"Russia backs India on Kashmir"
"Only Japan can mediate in Kashmir issue, says Time"
The U.S. State Department's annual global human rights report maintains that the Indian armed forces killed 10,727 militants in Indian-administered Kashmir between 1990-99. The report also acknowledges the Indian government position that, during the same period, militants killed 8,000 civilians and 2,000 security force members, and that another 2,600 civilians died in crossfire between Indian security forces and militant groups. An Indian foreign office spokesperson described the report as "an internal exercise of the U.S. government. We do not respond to it."
"US says Indians killed thousands in Valley"
"US State Dept report an internal exercise: India"
Analysis: Richard Haas, director of policy studies at the Brookings Institution, argues that India has much to gain beyond South Asia, but that, "ultimately, India will become a successful global actor only if it is a successful regional actor."
"Put regional house in order: US expert to India"