Respect India's territorial sovereignty: India to China

In the midst of growing unease in their ties, India today asked China to respect its territorial sovereignty and said its ascent should not be seen as a threat to China's rise.

NEW DELHI: India on Thursday reminded China that the multi-billion dollar economic corridor that it is building in Pakistan is passing through Indian territory (Presently occupied by Pakistan) and if Beijing seeks respect for its sovereignty it should respect other's as well.

Continuing to assert itself against the neighbour in the East,  Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said at the 2nd Raisina dialogue that China does not care for other's sovereignty. "China is very sensitive on matters concerning its sovereignty. We expect they respect other people's sovereignty. CPEC passes through a territory that we see as ours," Jaishankar said.

"Surely people will understand what Indian reaction is. There needs to be some reflection and I am sorry to say we have not seen signs of that," Jaishankar told media here. The Foreign Secretary's remarks have come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought respect from China on the principal of reciprocity.

India continued to emphasise resolution of South China Sea imbroglio according to international conventions. "Our position is consistent with our own behaviour. Indian position is in tune with what international position is," Jaishankar said on the issue that China has seen as imperative for its sovereignty.

Apart from speaking solely about India's foreign policy, the Foreign Secretary also touched upon how rising Nationalism is posing a challenge to it. "We (in Asia) undeniably have our sets of issues including emerging nationalism, disputed boundaries, creating institutions and adhering to norms," he said while addressing the representatives of different countries. He termed the criticism of globalisation as a result of the changes in the US and Europe.

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