For India, the inclusion of PoK in CPEC is not just a diplomatic issue but a violation of sovereignty, complicating any potential endorsement of OBOR. New Delhi’s stance signals its broader concerns about China’s growing influence in the region and its implications for strategic autonomy.

While connectivity projects are important for regional development, they cannot come at the cost of national interests. India’s position serves as a reminder that such initiatives must respect international norms and sovereignty to ensure long-term stability.

India’s continued opposition to China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative, even as the sole dissenting member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), reflects a principled stand rooted in national security and territorial integrity. While nations like Russia, Iran, and Pakistan have voiced support for OBOR, India’s objection, especially concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that traverses Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), highlights a critical geopolitical flashpoint.

For India, the inclusion of PoK in CPEC is not just a diplomatic issue but a violation of sovereignty, complicating any potential endorsement of OBOR. New Delhi’s stance signals its broader concerns about China’s growing influence in the region and its implications for strategic autonomy.

While connectivity projects are important for regional development, they cannot come at the cost of national interests. India’s position serves as a reminder that such initiatives must respect international norms and sovereignty to ensure long-term stability.