"Illegal, Illegitimate And Unacceptable": India On Proposed Extension Of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

The government on Friday (5 August) said that the proposed extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is "illegal, illegitimate and unacceptable" and will be treated accordingly by India.

"The Government has seen reports regarding the proposed extension of the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Any such actions by any party directly infringe on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such activities are inherently illegal, illegitimate and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India," Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

"India’s position on CPEC has been clear and consistent. It passes through parts of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh which are under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan and hence impinges on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity of India," he added.

The minister informed that the government has also conveyed to the Chinese side "its concerns about their activities in areas illegally occupied by Pakistan in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh and has asked them to cease these activities".

"India is of firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognized international norms. It must follow the principles of openness, transparency and financial responsibility and must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of other nations," the minister said.