Indian High Commission Statement denies Indian involvement in MSR project

India has stated that no negotiations with China are currently taking place regarding China’s proposed 21st Century Maritime Silk Route (MSR) project.

A statement issued by Indian High Commission in Malé yesterday said that the question had been amply clarified by Sayyed Akbaruddin, Official Spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The statement included Sayyed Akbaruddin’s answer to a reporter at a press conference regarding the issue.

When asked at the said news conference whether Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed about the MSR during his last visit to Delhi, Sayyed Akbaruddin, according to the statement of the High Commission, denied the occurrence of any such discussion.

“I have mentioned previously and let me clarify that re-emergence of traditional routes is a process that is reflective of ongoing trade, commerce and sharing of ideas. Whether it is the silk route, or it is the spice route, or it is the mausam route, this is an ongoing process.

“That said, as regards the new silk route that you are talking of, this matter was neither raised, nor discussed, nor is it reflected in any of the outcomes of the visit of President Xi Jinping to India. I hope that clarifies that this was neither raised, nor discussed, nor is it reflected in any of the outcome documents available publicly on the visit of President Xi Jinping to India.” Sayyed Akbaruddin said.

The High Commission statement said that it was released with the purpose of clarifying the issue, as there were some media reports on recent discussions in the People’s Majlis on the modern Maritime Silk Route and India’s involvement in it.

Dunya Maumoon, Maldives’ Foreign Minister said in a session of the People’s Majlis on Wednesday last week that Xi Jinping had discussed with Indian officials the question of MSR and that India also welcomed the Chinese proposal.