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India, in June 2018, asserted that any mega connectivity project must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries. The project referred to above is
Explanation
In June 2018, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Qingdao, India asserted that any mega connectivity project must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations [2]. This statement was a direct reference to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) [2]. India's primary objection stems from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the BRI, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) [1]. India maintains that PoK is an integral part of its territory, and the construction of infrastructure there without its consent violates its sovereignty [1]. Consequently, India was the only SCO member that refused to endorse the BRI in the Qingdao Declaration. While India participates in other regional projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chabahar Port, it remains steadfast in its opposition to the BRI due to these geostrategic and territorial concerns.
Sources
- [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 39: After Nehru... > Foreign Relations > p. 793
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > One Belt-One Road (The New Silk Route) > p. 85