New Delhi: The European Union has called India and Pakistan to avoid escalation of tension over the Kashmir issue and resume bilateral dialogue for a peaceful and political solution to the matter after the Indian government revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
Reacting sharply to India's move to abolish Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir to bring it in line with the rest of the country, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties with the Centre and expelled the Indian envoy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue, but India asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 was its "internal matter". New Delhi has also asked Islamabad to accept reality and stop its anti-India rhetoric.
Marketa Homolkova, first secretary, Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Geneva, made the statement while speaking at the General Assembly's First Committee discussion on Regional Disarmament and Security.
"In a moment of renewed tensions around Kashmir, we call on both parties to avoid escalation and encourage them to resume bilateral dialogue, with a view to finding a peaceful and political solution," the EU official said.
Her comments came as 23 EU parliamentarians visited Kashmir to assess the situation in the region.
The delegation, while ending their visit on Wednesday, termed the dilution of Article 370 an internal issue of India and said they stand by the country in its fight against terrorism.