Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether India is the only country in South Asia not involved in China’s ambitious economic strategy and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether Chinese experts say that India must reconsider its stance;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether according to them, the entry of Nepal will force India to follow suit in the near future or face isolation; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]
(a) to (e) India is working with China to expand economic cooperation between the two countries under the Closer Developmental Partnership, which was established during the visit of Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping to India in September 2014 and was further consolidated during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to China in May 2015.
Both sides share the view that India-China bilateral relationship has an important role to play in the 21st Century in Asia and in the world, and that it serves the shared interest of the two sides to strengthen their Closer Developmental Partnership.
With regard to China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, Government has publically articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be based on universally recognized international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality, and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Expansion and strengthening of connectivity is an integral part of India’s economic and diplomatic initiatives. India shares international community’s desire for enhancing physical connectivity and believes that it should bring greater economic benefits to all in an equitable and balanced manner. Government is working with many countries and international institutions in support of physical and digital connectivity in our own immediate and near neighbourhood.