New Delhi: In the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Pakistan, India reiterated its strong opposition to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while Islamabad advocated for a more inclusive approach to regional connectivity.
In his opening address, Sharif emphasised the significance of enhancing connectivity through initiatives like the BRI and the CPEC, urging member states to view these projects with a broader perspective. He cautioned against viewing such initiatives through a “narrow political prism,” advocating for collaborative efforts to foster economic integration within the SCO. “Let us not look at such projects through the narrow political prism, and invest in our collective connectivity capacities which are crucial to advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region,” he stated.
On the other hand, India remained steadfast in its rejection of the BRI, becoming the only SCO member to do so as all other members affirmed to Pakistan PM’s statement.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that India would not endorse the BRI, stressing the importance of national sovereignty and territorial integrity in trade and connectivity projects. While acknowledging the potential benefits of collaborative connectivity, saying “Collaborative connectivity can create new efficiencies,” he expressed concerns about the potential debt burden associated with such projects.
India’s opposition to the BRI stems primarily from its objections to the CPEC, which traverses Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India perceives the project as a violation of its territorial integrity and has consistently opposed it at past SCO meetings.
The SCO summit communique, which reflects the consensus of all member states except India, reiterated support for the BRI. The document highlighted efforts to align the Eurasian Economic Union with the BRI and expressed optimism about implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy through 2030.
India’s opposition to the BRI stems primarily from its objections to the CPEC, which traverses Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). India perceives the project as a violation of its territorial integrity and has consistently opposed it at past SCO meetings.
The SCO summit communique, which reflects the consensus of all member states- Russia, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan- except India, reiterated support for the BRI. The document highlighted efforts to align the Eurasian Economic Union with the BRI and expressed optimism about implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy through 2030.
Sharif’s call for strengthening regional connectivity through the BRI also extended to Afghanistan, highlighting its potential as a trade and transit hub in South Asia. He urged the Taliban government to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against neighbouring countries.
