PM: Connectivity fine, but respect regional integrity

Taking an indirect dig at China’s Belt & Road Initiative including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed that connectivity projects are India’s priority but such initiatives should respect another country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Expanding physical connectivity has been the key goal for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and India, which became a member of the grouping in 2017 with Russian support, has been a strong votary of inclusive connectivity projects in the region. This was the key focus of Modi’s address at the plenary session of the 18th SCO summit in Qingdao on Sunday.

“We have again reached a stage where physical and digital connectivity is changing the definition of geography. Therefore, connectivity with our neighbourhood and in the SCO region is our priority,” said Modi adding, “We welcome any new connectivity project, which is inclusive, sustainable and transparent and respects country’s sovereignty and regional integrity.”


“India’s active participation in the development of international North South Transport Corridor, Chabahar port shows our commitment,” the PM noted at the SCO summit India attended for the first time as a full member.

ET was the first to report that Modi at will highlight India’s reservations against connectivity projects that violates sovereignty.

It is no secret that Delhi opposes CPEC as it violates Indian sovereignty passing through PoK and has reservations over BRI that has been pushing countries towards debt and may even have security implications. However, the Indian PM did not highlight BRI in his address at SCO summit. China, following the Wuhan summit, publicly stated it will no longer push India to join BRI.

Later briefing reporters, Ruchi Ghanashyam, secretary (west), in MEA, said: “The SCO leaders signed the Qingdao Declaration and agreements on security and economic cooperation. PM Modi’s priority is terror and connectivity.”

He also raised the issue of terrorism in Afghanistan and how the country is battling against it and coined an acronym for the word SECURE: ‘S’ for security, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and ‘E’ for environment protection. “I hope the brave steps towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all in the region,” he added. Prior to the plenary session, a restricted session took place which was attended only by the SCO members.

Modi also called for stabilising energy market in the region, where many member states are rich in hydrocarbon, and volatility caused by US decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.