India's Position On CPEC 'Clear', Any Third-Country Role 'Unacceptable': Govt In Rajya Sabha

Last Updated:July 24, 2025, 19:21 IST

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, MoS for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that India’s position on the matter remains “clear and consistent”

The CPEC expansion is the first trilateral meeting between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan since Operation Sindoor post the Pahalgam attack. (Image: @MIshaqDar50)

India on Thursday strongly reiterated its opposition to the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), especially any involvement of third countries in the project. In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that India’s position on the matter remains “clear and consistent."

The government was responding to questions in Parliament about the May 21 trilateral meeting held in Beijing between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where regional connectivity was reportedly discussed, including possible cooperation linked to the CPEC.

“The Government of India is aware of a China-Pakistan-Afghanistan meeting held in Beijing, China, on 21 May 2025. The government’s position on CPEC is clear and consistent," Singh said.

Singh stated that the CPEC passes through parts of the Indian Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, which are under illegal occupation by Pakistan.

“Government has consistently protested to parties concerned over the inclusion of the so-called ‘China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through parts of the Indian Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistan, as a flagship project of ‘OBOR/BRI’ and asked them to cease these activities," he added.

“Any proposed participation of third countries or expansion of the so-called CPEC projects to third countries is unacceptable," the minister said, adding that the Government of India has consistently protested to concerned parties about such actions.

The minister stressed that India has always opposed the inclusion of these territories in international projects such as CPEC, which is promoted as a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The minister further noted that India is fully aware of all developments, including international meetings involving countries participating in CPEC discussions, and continues to monitor them closely from the perspective of national security.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met in Beijing earlier this May.

(With inputs from ANI)

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