India Highlights Sovereignty Importance for Infrastructure at SCO Summit

India stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in connectivity and infrastructure projects. This statement, made on Thursday, seemed to reference China, which has ongoing territorial disputes with several nations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan.

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Jaishankar highlighted that the SCO holds a significant position in India's foreign policy. He noted that the summit occurred amid the pandemic's impact, ongoing conflicts, rising tensions, trust deficits, and an increasing number of global hotspots. These issues have strained international relations and economic growth worldwide.

Focus on Connectivity and Economic Development

Economic development necessitates robust connectivity, which can foster cooperation and trust among societies. Jaishankar emphasised that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is crucial for such projects. Non-discriminatory trade rights and transit regimes are also essential. The SCO needs to seriously deliberate on these aspects.

China has invested billions in various power projects and road networks in Pakistan through the USD 65 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The CPEC connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province and is a flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India opposes the CPEC as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

China's Expanding Influence

China is extending its influence globally through infrastructure projects funded by Chinese investments under the BRI. This initiative involves significant financial commitments in countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The previous US administration under Donald Trump was highly critical of the BRI, viewing China's financing as predatory and leaving smaller nations heavily indebted, thus threatening their sovereignty.

China is also involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS). Additionally, Chinese naval ships and submarines are active in the Indian Ocean. These activities have raised concerns about China's intentions in these strategically vital regions.

SCO's Principles and Mutual Respect

The SCO is a principle-based organisation where consensus drives member states' approaches. Jaishankar reiterated mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threat of force as foundational principles for foreign policies. Member states have agreed not to take measures contrary to these principles.

Jaishankar read out Modi's statement at the extended format Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State. Modi stressed that while standing firm on challenges, it is equally important to explore progress collaboratively. The current global debate focuses on creating new connectivity linkages to serve a re-balanced world better.

"Represented India at the SCO Plus format Meeting in Astana today. Read out PM @narendramodi’s statement on the theme ‘Strengthening Multilateral Dialogue - Striving for Sustainable Peace and Development’," Jaishankar wrote on X.

For serious momentum in creating new connectivity linkages, joint efforts from many are required. These efforts must respect states' sovereignty and territorial integrity and be built on non-discriminatory trade and transit rights to neighbours.

The gathering aimed to find common ground to mitigate the consequences of recent global developments. These events have exacerbated problems stemming from globalisation, putting significant strain on international relations and economic growth.

The summit underscored the need for robust connectivity for economic development while ensuring respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. This approach can pave the way for cooperation and trust between societies.