Second UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference was recently concluded, in which India strongly opposed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC projects of China.

Key Points

• The UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference was held between October 14 to October 16 in Beijing, China.
• During the conference Indian side noted that, India shares the desire of international community of enhancing physical connectivity. It believes that, physical connectivity should bring huge economic benefits for all in a balanced and equitable manner.

Belt and Road initiative (BRI)

The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative which was launched in the year 2013, by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The project was launched with the aim of enhancing China’s influence. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Europe and the Gulf region with a network of land and sea routes.

About China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

CPEC is USD 60 billion project that connects Gwadar Port in the Balochistan region of Pakistan with the Xinjiang province of China. It is the flagship project under the BRI.

Why India is against CPEC?

Though, expansion and strengthening of physical connectivity is the integral part of economic & diplomatic initiatives of India. But India has been affected by China’s BRI and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects because these projects impinge on India’s sovereignty. India has been opposing this project because it is being laid through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).