China has objected to ADB funding for Arunachal irrigation project: Krishna

New Delhi, July 9 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna today disclosed in the Rajya Sabha that China had objected to funding by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to an irrigation project in Arunachal Pradesh, which is a clear violation of the ADB charter.

During Question Hour, Krishna said India had made it clear to all member nations of the ADB, that political considerations couldn't be cited for prohibiting the bank from evaluating any project, and all member countries of the ADB board except China supported India's plan.

China did not endorse the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2009-12 for India in the board of the ADB on the ground that the proposed India CPS involved technical assistance funding for flood and river erosion management project in Arunachal Pradesh which China claims is its territory, Krishna said.

India made it clear to all the member countries of the ADB that CPS is not a political document and it does not make any judgment as to the legal or other status of any territory.

Krishna informed the house that India had conveyed to the ADB member nations including China that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and its status is not negotiable.

Krishna felt that ADB's assistance has to be strictly decided on economic parameters and not on political considerations.

On the back drop of Indo- China border talks next month in New Delhi, Krishna informed the members that India has put across in the strongest diplomatic language possible to China that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, and government wants to resolve the boundary issue with China amicably.

India is looking forward to normalize relationship with China and to extend partnership in some sectors, Krishna said. (ANI)