Many in the Opposition here described boycotting the OBOR summit in Beijing, which ended on Monday and was attended by 29 head of governments and diplomats, as a "great blunder".
Taking strong exception to India's stand on its 'One Belt, One Road' (OBOR) initiative, China asked New Delhi to explain what kind of "meaningful dialogue" it wants with Beijing on this multi-billion-dollar venture.
Many in the Opposition here described boycotting the OBOR summit in Beijing, which ended on Monday and was attended by 29 head of governments and diplomats, as a "great blunder". But there were others who said that there was no choice for India but to boycott the summit, as its key component, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on its way to Xinjiang in northwest China. After dragging their feet initially, even the US and Japan participated in the summit, making India the most conspicuous absentee.
"Over the past four years, since the project was initiated, we have been holding the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits for the 'Belt and Road' initiative," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. He was reacting to Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Gopal Bagley's remarks that China should hold a meaningful dialogue on the concerns over the OBOR project. "I do not know what the (MEA) spokesperson was trying to say. What kind of dialogue is a meaningful dialogue? What kind of a positive attitude does the spokesman want China to have?" Hua asked.
It is believed that India and Japan were planning to unveil their own project at the African Development Bank (AfDB) meeting to be held in Ahmedabad from May 22. Japan has proposed building a maritime route, stretching from its shores to Africa and taking in India along the way.
Hua said, "Our attitude is always clear. We always want India to participate in the 'Belt and Road' initiative. If they have the answer (to what a 'meaningful dialogue' is), they can give the answer to me, either in public or private."
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