The so-called Connectivtiy projects must not compromise the sovereignty of nations, says India at the SCO summit hosted in Islamabad.
As expected doing the bid for its 'friend and saviour' China, Pakistan calls for investment for regional connectivity.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Oct 16 urged the member states to not view such connectivity projects through a “narrow political prism". His remarks came as an apparent criticism of India’s long-standing refusal to endorse the initiative, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Sharif said: “Let us not look at such projects through the narrow political prism, and invest in our collective connectivity capacities which are crucial to advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region".
He called for a more cooperative approach to connectivity that could enhance the socio-economic progress of the entire SCO region.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made India’s stance clear during his address. He flagged off the much important issue of Sovereignty of nations at the world stage.
"Collaborative connectivity can create new efficiencies. The world of logistics, as indeed of energy, could undergo a sea change. Environmental protection and climate action are ready domains for mutually beneficial exchanges. The treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases will benefit from accessible and affordable pharmaceutical capabilities," he said.
However, he was articulate in sharing India's concern: ".... Excellencies, to do that, cooperation must be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. It should recognize territorial integrity and sovereignty.
It must be built on genuine partnerships, not unilateral agendas".
"It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially of trade and transit," he stated.
Dr Jaishankar also said, "Whether it is health, food or energy security, we are all clearly better off working together. Indeed, even culture, education and sports are promising areas. In effect, there is so much that we can do once we are truly determined to promote that synergy. From an Indian perspective, our own global initiatives and national endeavours are also strongly relevant for the SCO. The International Solar Alliance promotes renewable energy. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure prepares us for climate events. Mission LiFE advocates a sustainable life-style."
"Practicing Yoga and promoting millets make a difference to wellness and to environment. The Global Biofuel Alliance recognizes the task of energy transition. The International Big Cat Alliance protects our bio-diversity.
At home, we have demonstrated the value of digital public infrastructure, just as we have shown the impact of women-led development".
But he said, while we each make our contribution, "the world order" is more than the sum of its parts.
"As it changes, global institutions do need to keep pace. That is why the case for ‘reformed multilateralism’ gets stronger by the day. Comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, both in the permanent and non-permanent categories, is essential".
Dr Jaisshankar also raised concerns about the debt implications of such projects, without directly naming China.
India has consistently refused to endorse the BRI in previous SCO conclaves, and this summit was no exception.
India’s refusal stands in stark contrast to the joint communique released at the end of the summit, where all other SCO member states — Russia, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan —reaffirmed their support for the Chinese initiative.
The communique noted the ongoing efforts to link the Eurasian Economic Union with the BRI, and expressed optimism about implementing the SCO Economic Development Strategy through 2030.
Pak PM Sharif urged the Taliban government to ensure that Afghan territory is not used for terrorism against its neighbours, reflecting the broader security concerns shared by SCO members.
For his part, Dr Jaishankar said : "It is imperative that we now renew our resolve to attain the objectives of the SCO. That means recognizing the current constraints on our cooperation and focusing on the pathway forward. It can surely happen when we develop and implement an agenda that is firmly based on an agreed mutuality of interests."
After all, he said, "the SCO represents the forces of change on whom much of the world puts such great store. Let us live up to that responsibility.
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