CPEC: India issues official demarches to Pakistan - China
Shares
NEW DELHI: India has issued demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying its position on the construction of dams on the Indus river in Azad Kashmir by the Pakistani government with assistance committed to these projects by China, the government said on Wednesday, Zee News has reported.
Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan and that any collaborative activity there is in violation of India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government continues to maintain this position," Singh said.
Replying to a separate question on China's 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) initiative, Singh said the government has clearly articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be "based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law...And must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity".
He also asserted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is being projected as a flagship project of OBOR initiative, passes through parts of Azad Kashmir.
"The government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about China's activities in Azad Kashmir and asked them to cease these activities," the minister added.
