India Refuses to Support BRI at SCO Summit. Here's Why | Vantage with Palki Sharma

Summary

The video script discusses India's position at the recent SEO Summit hosted by Prime Minister Modi, where leaders from China, Pakistan, and Russia were present. The joint statement, called the New Delhi Declaration, highlighted differences between India and China, particularly regarding China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India opposes due to sovereignty concerns and regional implications. India also refrained from supporting a development strategy for 2030, as it was perceived to be aligned with Chinese interests. The analysis underscores India's strategic stance to counterbalance China's influence in Central Asia by remaining involved in the SEO.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The SCO Summit, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Modi, included leaders from China, Pakistan, and Russia, resulting in the New Delhi declaration.
• 🐘 There were notable differences between India and China during the summit, with Pakistan also having its own issues with India.
• 🚫 India did not support China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as it undercuts India's regional position and violates its sovereignty, particularly through projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• 🛣️ The joint statement showed that all SCO members except India reaffirmed support for the BRI.
• 🗣️ Prime Minister Modi emphasized that connectivity projects should not violate territorial integrity, signaling India's firm stance against the BRI.
• 🇨🇳 China's BRI is a significant project for President Xi Jinping, but India's consistent opposition has been a setback for Beijing.
• ⛔ India also chose not to support the SCO's 2030 development strategy, which was seen as being influenced by China's agenda.
• 🔗 The strategy included the Global Development Initiative proposed by Xi Jinping in 2021, which India did not endorse.
• 📉 The script highlights friction within the SCO and suggests that India's presence in the organization helps limit China's influence in Central Asia.
• 🔍 India's involvement in the SCO is portrayed as a strategic move to prevent unchecked Chinese dominance in the region.

Q & A

What is the New Delhi declaration?

The New Delhi declaration is a joint statement released at the end of the SEO Summit hosted by Prime Minister Modi. It reflects the outcomes and agreements of the summit, including support for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by most member countries.

Which countries supported China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the New Delhi declaration?

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan supported China's Belt and Road Initiative in the New Delhi declaration. India did not support it.

Why does India oppose China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

India opposes China's Belt and Road Initiative because it undermines India's position in the region and violates India's sovereignty. The BRI includes projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which India considers part of its own territory.

What was Prime Minister Modi's stance on connectivity projects during the summit?

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that connectivity projects must not violate territorial integrity, reflecting India's position against China's Belt and Road Initiative.

How has India historically responded to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

India has consistently opposed the Belt and Road Initiative, boycotting the first Belt and Road Forum in 2017. India sees the BRI as a threat to its sovereignty and regional influence.

What was the significance of the Doklam standoff between India and China?

The Doklam standoff occurred shortly after India boycotted the Belt and Road Forum in 2017, leading to a military standoff at the tri-junction between India, China, and Bhutan. The situation was widely seen as Chinese payback for India's stance against the BRI.

Why did India refuse to sign the SEO's development strategy for 2030?

India refused to sign the SEO's development strategy for 2030 because it was influenced by Chinese agenda, including the Global Development Initiative proposed by Xi Jinping, which India decided not to support.

What is the Global Development Initiative, and why did India not support it?

The Global Development Initiative is a proposal by Xi Jinping in 2021 aimed at promoting global economic development. India did not support it because it is aligned with China's strategic interests, which India opposes.

How does India's participation in the SEO impact China's influence in Central Asia?

India's participation in the SEO helps limit China's influence in Central Asia. By being part of the organization, India can counterbalance China's strategic initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

What might happen to the SEO's joint statements if India were not a member?

If India were not a member of the SEO, joint statements might be more heavily influenced by Chinese interests, potentially reflecting Xi Jinping's strategic vision without opposition.