China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Impinges Sovereignty And Territorial Integrity Of India, Hence Illegal: MEA

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has called the ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’ (CPEC), illegal, reports Economic Times.

The MEA asserted CPEC passes through parts of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh which are under illegal occupation by Pakistan. Government of India has made this known to China and have asked them cease such activities.

On Wednesday (5 February) the MEA told Lok Sabha that CPEC as a flagship project of ‘One Belt One Road (OBOR)/Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)’, directly impinges on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

The Indian government let China know that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognised international norms based on principles of openness, transparency, and financial responsibility.

Also it is important to respect sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of other nations and this has been the consistent position of the Indian government.

In 2017, The India-USA and India-Japan Joint Statement on ‘Prosperity through Partnership’ called on nations to come together to improve regional economic connectivity with impetus on transparent development of infrastructure and the use of responsible debt financing practices.

The declaration was particular when in ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law and the environment, the MEA informed.