Access to Central Asia, China: Pakistan rejects Doval’s allegation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has rejected the Indian allegation that it was blocking New Delhi’s access to Central Asia and China, terming it a “misplaced impression”.

Sources in the Foreign Office have maintained that New Delhi is attempting to misguide the public opinion of certain friendly countries through twisting facts. “India itself is responsible for the state of affairs,” they said.

Indian National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval criticised Pakistan on Tuesday for blocking India’s land access to Central Asia and China for setting dubious conditions for connectivity projects, saying that connectivity initiatives should be consultative, transparent and participatory.

Speaking at the conclave of NSAs of India and Central Asian countries in Kazakhstan, Doval said that connectivity and economic integration with the Central Asian countries is a key priority for India. Such initiatives should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, he said in an oblique reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. “They should also adhere to environmental parameters, ensure financial viability and not become debt burdens,” the NSA said.

The absence of direct land access between Central Asia and India is the result of a “conscious policy of denial by a particular country” – Pakistan. “This situation is not only self-defeating for this country but it also reduces the collective well-being of the entire region,” the Indian NSA said.

To a query, Ms Mumtaz Zohra Baloch, spokesperson of the Foreign Office, condemned the assertion of the Indian NSA.