cpec: S Jaishankar backs Chabahar for Eurasian Connectivity; Pakistan roots for CPEC

India-Pakistan differences over an inclusive connectivity route in Eurasia came to the fore at the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in Tashkent on Friday, with India laying emphasis on the use of Iran’s Chabahar port financed by New Delhi while Pakistan focusing on the use of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Foreign minister S Jaishankar while addressing the meet highlighted that the world was facing energy and food crises due to disruptions related to the Covid-19 pandemic and Ukraine conflict and this must be urgently addressed. The response required included resilient and diversified supply chains as well as reformed multilateralism, he suggested. Jaishankar in the presence of his Pakistani counterpart also called for zero tolerance for terrorism in all its manifestations.

India stressed on the use of Chabahar port while Pakistan focused on CPEC, BRI’s crown jewel that passes through PoK violating India’s sovereignty.

ET had reported on Friday that India will underline the significance of Chabahar port for Central Asian states, besides Afghanistan, to connect with the Indian Ocean Region. Pakistan is pushing for Afghanistan‘s entry into CPEC, a move opposed by India as any CPEC project violates the country’s sovereignty.

At the meeting, Jaishankar pointed to India’s support to Afghanistan with vaccines, wheat and medicines. Further, he welcomed Iran’s entry in SCO.