Lok Sabha Question No. 1512 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-12-27
Subject: Road Project by China
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: KRISHN PRATAP SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1512 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27.12.2017

## ROAD PROJECT BY CHINA

## † 1512. DR. KRISHAN PRATAP:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the highways being constructed by China in
- Nepal upto Indian border;
- (b) whether China is making its presence felt by constructing 800 km long roads to connect Karakoram pass to Gwadar port   as   well   as   through   several   other   projects   in   Pak occupied Kashmir and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether this is a strategic, political and diplomatic move of China and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d)
- the steps being taken by the Government to counter the rising influence of China in the border States?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) to (c) Under   its   'Belt   and   Road   Initiative',   China   is undertaking projects for development of infrastructure facilities in several countries in the region.

While   Nepal   and   China   have   reportedly   signed   a

Memorandum of Understanding in the context of China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' in May 2017 to undertake infrastructure projects in   Nepal,   no   specific   proposal   regarding   construction   of   such highways by China upto Indian border through Nepal has come to Government's attention.

With regard to Pakistan, Government is aware that China is executing infrastructure projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). China is assisting Pakistan in the development of the socalled 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor' (CPEC). Some of the proposed projects under CPEC are in PoK.

Government's consistent position is that Pakistan has been in  illegal   occupation   of   parts   of   the   Indian   state   of   Jammu   & Kashmir since 1947. Government has conveyed to the Chinese side,   including   at   the   highest   level,   its   concerns   about   their activities in PoK and asked them to cease these activities.

(d) Under   its   'Neighbourhood   First'   policy,   Government   is committed   to   developing   friendly   and   mutually   beneficial relations   with   all   its   neighbours.   India   is   an   active   economic partner of its neighbours and is involved in various development projects in these countries. India also has extensive ties with neighbouring   countries   in   education,   culture,   trade   and investments as well as defence and security cooperation. India's relations with other countries stand on their own footing and are independent   of   the   relations   of   those   countries   with   third countries. Government also gives careful and specific attention to the improvement of infrastructure   for   the   development   of   border areas in order to facilitate the economic development of these areas as also to meet India's strategic and security requirements. Government keeps a constant watch on all developments having   a   bearing   on   India's   security   and   takes   all   necessary measures to safeguard it.

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