The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed concerns to China and Pakistan over the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through sovereign Indian territory.
MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Friday said that India had never refused any proposals of talks with Pakistan to ensure a peaceful atmosphere but added that the neighbouring country needs to stop providing support to terrorism and terror outfits.
Earlier in the day, the state-run Chinese media advised India to accept the offer extended to it by a top ranking Pakistan Army Commander for joining CPEC.
“India could boost its exports and slash its trade deficit with China via new trade routes that would be opened up by the CPEC. In addition, the northern part of India bordering Pakistan and India-controlled Kashmir will gain more economic growth momentum if India joins the project,” an article in the state-run Global Times said.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunyin also said that Beijing is ready to consider India’s participation in CPEC.
“I have also seen relevant reports. I wonder what is India’s take on this proposal by Pakistan; whether this is a good sign from the Pakistan side. On China’s part, we view the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a cooperation framework, and we hope that this programme will not only serve the interest of China and Pakistan but also of Asia and the region as a whole,” she said.
