Doval's swipe at China: Territorial integrity must be respected

Emphasising on the need for regional connectivity, National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval said such initiatives should be transparent.

The NSA told the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on Wednesday that the members of the group must respect territorial integrity and not seek unilateral military superiority.

In an apparent swipe at China, NSA Doval emphasised on the need for regional connectivity, but added that such initiatives should be consultative and transparent and respect the sovereignty of all countries.

The comments are important in the wake of India's constant opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The meeting being held in the national capital was joined by the secretary of Russia's Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, senior officials of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and a representative of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the SCO. Officials of China and Pakistan participating in the meeting virtually.

The NSA while noting that the region has been affected by the impact of global security challenges, said that the goals and vision of the SCO Charter can show the member states the path forward.

The Charter calls upon member states to have mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of states and inviolability of State borders, non-use of force or threat of its use in international relations and seeking no unilateral military superiority in adjacent areas," Doval said without naming China.

The Charter further calls on member states to maintain relations with other countries and to cooperate in preventing International conflicts and in their peaceful settlement, Doval said. He was referring to the conflict in Ukraine.

The remarks also assumes importance in the backdrop of the ongoing India-China standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control. India has accused China of violating border management arrangements by unilaterally enhancing crops on the LAC and also attempting to change the status quo by force.

Doval said that connectivity is a key priority for India and New Delhi is cooperating in making investments to forge linkages within the region.

"While expanding connectivity, it is important to ensure that such initiatives are consultative, transparent and participatory, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries," Doval also said.

He said that India's approach in the area is in sync with the SCO Charter to ensure comprehensive and balanced economic growth for integration into the global economy and transit capabilities. India is also committed to include Iran's Chabahar port within the framework of the International North-South Transport Corridor, he added.

He also said that the biggest threats to global peace are terrorism and its financing. All countries must fulfil their obligation under counter-terrorism cooperation protocols, including the UN Security Council resolutions 1267 and 1373 and other related resolutions, in order to implement sanctions against global terrorist entities, NSA Doval added.