Hinting at One Belt One Road, President Pranab Mukherjee says Asian nations should talk for better connectivity

NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee has given a veiled message to China on its unilateral moves to implement One Belt One Road (OBOR) mega connectivity project across Asia.

Ahead of his visit to the country from Tuesday, the President said such projects should be based on “commonly agreed international norms and practices and should reflect the interests of all concerned parties”.

In an interview to Chinese staterun news agency Xinhua ahead of his four-day trip, Mukherjee said, “A better connected Asia requires that all countries consult together on determining the best way forward. Such cooperation should be governed by commonly-agreed international norms and practices and should reflect the interests of all concerned parties.”

He said, “Building connectivity is an important aspect of our national development. In India, a number of projects are being undertaken in co-operation with other countries.”

India views OBOR as a unilateral attempt by cash-rich China to build road and sea connectivity projects across Asia without taking on board the other countries concerned and raising apprehensions of implications of the project on the national interests and security of these countries.

The president said both sides should strive to ensure that the outstanding issues are addressed in a manner that demonstrates mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns, interests and aspirations.