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Context

• The People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 6, 2023.

READ ALL ABOUT CHINA'S BRI: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/italy-to-walk-out-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative

BRI

• The project was officially launched in 2013 in Kazakhstan.
• It was initially called the One Belt One Road Project.
• Often called a new "Silk Route", it consists of maritime corridors and shipping routes to connect China with crucial ports and cities in Asia and Europe.
• Chinese construction companies are given contracts, which are funded by Chinese banks, for the development of ports and trains.

India’s Response to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative

• India's position on the OBOR project has been more or less consistent since the initiative was first launched in 2013.
• The government is of 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.
• The inclusion of the so‑called China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu & and Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Note: CPEC is a flagship project of OBOR reflects a lack of appreciation of India’s concerns on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• The government has conveyed to the Chinese side its concerns about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and asked them to cease these activities.

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