Wed Oct 16 08:42:50 UTC 2024: ## India Raises Concerns Over CPEC at SCO Meeting in Pakistan

**Islamabad, Pakistan -** The second day of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting commenced today in Islamabad, Pakistan. The event, which kicked off with a group photograph of leaders from across the region, saw External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raise concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

In his address, Jaishankar highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in regional cooperation. He pointed out 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.” He further stressed that “It cannot progress if we cherry-pick global practices, especially in trade and transit.”

The Minister’s remarks are widely interpreted as a direct reference to the CPEC project, which traverses through disputed territory in Jammu and Kashmir. India has consistently voiced concerns about the project, arguing it violates its territorial integrity.

Jaishankar also addressed the issue of terrorism, emphasizing the need for regional collaboration to combat extremism and separatism. He stated that “If activities across borders are characterized by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.”

The SCO meeting is expected to focus on economic cooperation, trade, environmental issues, and socio-cultural ties. Leaders are anticipated to make decisions to boost cooperation among SCO members and approve the organization’s budget. Representatives from India, China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are participating, along with delegations from Iran and Mongolia.

While no bilateral talks between India and Pakistan are scheduled, Jaishankar’s visit has attracted significant attention from both the government and opposition parties in Pakistan. Opposition leaders have called for Jaishankar to address their ongoing anti-government protests, while former interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has expressed optimism about the potential for improved India-Pakistan relations.

The SCO summit in Islamabad provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation among member states. However, the shadow of the CPEC project and the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan are likely to cast a significant influence on the proceedings.

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