New Delhi, July 26 (UNI) India on Tuesday slammed as "inherently illegal and unacceptable" a move by Pakistan and China to invite a third country participation in the CPEC project in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, saying it is illegitimate as the territory is under illegal occupation of Islamabad.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a $60 billion flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of the Chinese government that is promoted by President Xi Jinping and it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
There are reports that Pakistan and China are preparing to welcome "interested" third countries to join their multi-billion dollar project being laid through PoK.
"We have seen reports on encouraging a proposed participation of third countries in so-called CPEC projects," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said reacting to queries regarding participation of third countries in the CPEC.
"Any such actions by any party directly infringe on India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"India firmly and consistently opposes projects in the so-called CPEC, which are in Indian territory that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan. Such activities are inherently illegal, illegitimate and unacceptable, and will be treated accordingly by India," he added.
China and Pakistan met last week virtually when the CPEC Joint Working Group invited third parties saying it is "an open and inclusive platform" for mutually beneficial cooperation. It was the third meeting of the CPEC JWG on International Cooperation and Coordination.
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