In a significant diplomatic move, India refused to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, raising eyebrows in the international community.
By - News Beat
The summit brought together leaders of major Eurasian countries to discuss important issues related to regional security, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism.
India refuses to sign?
According to reliable sources in the Indian delegation, New Delhi has strong reservations about certain provisions in the proposed joint statement, especially those related to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India has consistently opposed the BRI, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through the disputed territory of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The Joint Statement
The draft joint statement reportedly includes a paragraph praising and endorsing China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is supported by most other SCO member states. India’s objection to this section is in line with its long-standing policy, which sees the BRI as a violation of its national sovereignty.
While India continues to support the SCO's broad goals such as counterterrorism cooperation and economic development it chose to opt out of a consensus that conflicted with its national interests.
India's decision not to sign the joint statement is unusual but not unprecedented. As the organization expands and deals with increasingly complex geopolitical issues, differing national priorities among member states sometimes lead to disagreements.
Despite the differences, India is a full member of the SCO and actively participated in other parts of the summit. Prime Minister [insert name of current Prime Minister if necessary], in his speech at the summit, focused on issues related to terrorism, regional stability and mutual cooperation.
Reactions from other member states
Although no official reprimand was issued by other SCO countries, diplomatic sources say that China and Pakistan expressed disappointment over India's refusal to endorse the joint declaration.
However, Russia, another key player in the SCO, is believed to have adopted a more balanced view, acknowledging India's concerns while stressing the importance of maintaining unity within the group.
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