The Trump Administration is dispatching its senior South Asia official to the region facing a spate of crises including ongoing crisis in Kashmir, Afghan fragility, and US-Iran tensions.
Alice G Wells, who heads U.S. policymaking on South Asia at the State Department, is beginning a visit to the region in Sri Lanka on Monday.
On the eve of her visit, Wells, who is principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, expressed serious concerns over continued detention of Kashmiri leaders since New Delhi overturned special status of the disputed territory on August 5 last year.
In a Twitter post, Wells also urged the region’s return to normalcy.
Closely following @USAmbIndia & other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step. We remain concerned by detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy. AGW
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) January 11, 2020
At the same time, Wells, who will be visiting both Pakistan and India, welcomed Indian guided tour of foreign diplomats to Kashmir, which remains under strict restrictions on basic freedoms.
Several European and Middle Eastern diplomats stayed away from the officially conducted visit. Washington sent its diplomat as part of the 15-member delegation.
Wells presented the Trump Administration’s approach to Kashmir crisis during a stiff Capitol Hill Hearing as lawmakers sought answers to India’s blatant human rights violations in Kashmir.
In both Islamabad and New Delhi, Wells will likely discuss the regional situation, which has spiraled into a heightened state of tensions with the US-Iranian crisis.
Washington needs both Pakistan – for stabilizing Afghanistan – and India as a potential ally in the facing of fast-rising China.
According to the State Department, Wells travel to New Delhi, India, from January 15-18, to attend the Raisina Dialogue. The diplomat will also meet with senior government officials to advance the U.S.-India strategic global partnership following the success of the 2019 U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, and discuss topics of mutual interest with members of the business community and civil society.
During her visit to Pakistan, from January 19-22, Wells will meet with senior government officials and members of civil society to discuss issues of bilateral and regional concern.
