India issues démarches to Pakistan, China on construction of dams

India has issued démarches to Pakistan and China conveying that the construction of dams under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on the Indus River in Kashmir is 'illegal'.

According to the Indian government, "these territories are illegally occupied by Pakistan," Indian Express reported.

Replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said India has a clear and consistent position that collaborative activity in Kashmir is in violation of India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.



"Accordingly, we have made demarches to both Pakistan and China conveying the position. The government of India continues to maintain this position,” Singh said.

Replying to a separate question on China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, Singh stated the BJP government has clearly articulated its firm belief that connectivity initiatives must be "based on universally recognised international norms, good governance, rule of law and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"The government has conveyed to the Chinese side, including at the highest level, its concerns about China’s activities in PoK and asked them to cease these activities," the minister added.

India has also strongly conveyed its position at multilateral and international fora where issues related to OBOR, CPEC have been raised.



He also said that both India and China agree that the progress in bilateral relations should be guided by the consensus reached between their leaders and that at a time of global uncertainty, India-China relations are a factor of stability and the two countries, in their relationship, must not allow differences to become disputes.