India refuted claims that it put pressure on Sri Lanka against letting a Chinese survey ship dock at Hambantota port.
There have been reports that India had expressed security concerns over the proposed docking of the Chinese vessel at the island nation's southern port from August 12 to 17. The satellite and missile tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 was to make a logistical replenishment halt, say reports.
"We reject the insinuations in the statement about India. Sri Lanka is a sovereign country and makes its own independent decisions," said ministry is external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
He emphasised the centrality of Sri Lanka in India's Neighborhood First policy.
"India has extended, this year itself, an unprecedented support of over $3. 8 billion for ameliorating the serious economic situation in Sri Lanka. India also is fully supportive of its democracy, stability and economic recover," he said.
On India-China relations, he said, "We have consistently emphasised the necessity of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interests as a basis for the development of ties.”
“With regard to our security concerns, this is the sovereign right of every country. We will make the best judgment in our own interest. This naturally takes into account the prevailing situation in our region, especially in the border areas"
Bagchi also spoke about responses to the escalated Chinese military presence around Taiwan following US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit. He said like many other countries, India too is concerned with the recent developments. "We urge the exercise of restraint, avoidance of unilateral actions to change status quo, de-escalation of tensions and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region."
When asked about India's stand on the One-China policy, he said, "India's relevant policies are well-known and consistent. They do not require reiteration."
India follows the One-China policy and does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taiwanese representatives in New Delhi represent trade bodies.
The spokesperson noted with regret that a “technical hold” has been placed on the listing proposal for Abdul Rauf Asghar by the United Nations Security Council. China had blocked the move jointly put forward by India and the US.
"It is unfortunate that when it comes to our collective battle against terrorism, the international community has been unable to speak in one common voice," he said.
Bagchi reiterated what India's Permanent Representative to UN Ruchira Kamboj, said on August 9, that “There should be no double standards in dealing with terrorists. The practice of placing holds and blocks without giving any justification must end. It is most regrettable that genuine and evidence based listing proposals pertaining to some of the most notorious terrorists in the world are being placed on hold. Double standards and continuing politicisation have rendered the credibility of the Sanctions Regime at an all time low.”
Abdul Rauf Asghar, deputy chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is a UN proscribed entity, was actively involved in terrorist attacks such as hijacking of Indian airlines IC 814 in 1998, the attacks on Indian Parliament in 2001, and attacks at Indian Army camp in Kathua in 2014 and at IAF base in Pathankot in 2016.
"He has been proscribed under Indian and US laws already, and therefore placing of the “technical hold” against such wanted terrorist is most uncalled for," said Bagchi. He added that India will continue pursuing its principled position of bringing these terrorists to justice, including through the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Regime.
