India once again took a decisive stance by refusing to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave held in Islamabad. This marks India’s continued opposition to the controversial connectivity project, which has garnered widespread criticism due to its inclusion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a region claimed by India.

While the majority of SCO member nations, including Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, reaffirmed their support for the BRI, India remained the only country to withhold endorsement. India’s longstanding criticism stems from concerns over sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the mounting debt burden faced by many countries participating in BRI-related projects.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in his address at the summit, subtly touched upon these concerns, emphasizing that “debt is a serious concern,” though he refrained from elaborating further. India has continuously warned of the dangers posed by the so-called “debt trap diplomacy” associated with China’s infrastructure projects, which have left many participating countries struggling with unsustainable debt levels.

Despite India’s opposition to the BRI, the joint communique after the SCO summit highlighted efforts to foster broader regional connectivity through the proposal of a ‘Greater Eurasian Partnership.’ This initiative seeks to bring together the SCO, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), ASEAN, and other interested states in promoting economic and social development across the region.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the summit, which was attended by key leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. However, India’s unwavering resistance to BRI served as a key geopolitical marker, reflecting the complexities and strategic divergences within the region.

As geopolitical tensions between India and China continue to simmer, particularly over border disputes and strategic alignments, India’s refusal to support the BRI at the SCO serves as a reminder of the broader contest for influence and power in Asia.