Juxtaposition of two connectivity projects
-
- India has presented consistent opposition to the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity by the BRI’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Indian territory in Jammu and Kashmir
- But, the meetings of SCO have endorsed Russia’s initiative to connect the SCO with the Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN, placing the predominantly East-West connectivity alignment of China’s BRI alongside the North-South connectivity alignment of Russia’s proposal
- While at the same time, India is considering to prioritise support for implementing three major North-South connectivity proposals
- The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
- Chabahar Port and railway connecting India through Iran to Afghanistan, Central Asia and
- RussiaVladivostok-Chennai sea lane of communication connecting India to Russia’s Far East as well as countries partnering India in her “Act East” policy
Way forward
-
-
- Need of working group to address the concerns of all entities, considering the territorial integrity of each nation involved
-
SCOs counter-terrorism framework
-
- Despite the establishment of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO has not taken visible counterterrorism measures against the main threat facing its members, which emanates from terrorists and terrorist entities located in the Af-Pak region
Way forward
-
-
- There is need for the Summit to play a central and coordinating role to enforce the Council’s sanctions against concerned entities
-
Deliberation of Bilateral issues into SCO
-
- China and Pakistan have deliberately tried to bring bilateral issues into SCO. This violates the well-established principles and norms of the SCO Charter. Such acts are counterproductive to the spirit of consensus and cooperation that define this organisation and should be condemned
Way forward
-
-
- India considers the SCO as an important regional group to promote cooperation in various fields based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality
- Hence, the need for all members to stick to the principles in the charter and abide by its principles
-
