RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2735
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.08.2017
BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE OF CHINA
2735. SHRI A.K. SELVARAJ:
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China which aims to link Asia with Europe for trade and other exchanges, represents an opportunity for India;
(b) whether it is also a fact that even if some portion of what is proposed in the BRI is implemented, it would markedly change the economic and strategic landscape within which we operate; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI M.J. AKBAR)
(a) to (c) Government has taken cognizance of the ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) or the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) of the People’s Republic of China. Government is of firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognized international
norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality, and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The inclusion of the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan, as a flagship project of OBOR reflects lack of appreciation of India’s concerns on
the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and asked them to cease these activities.
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