The government on Wednesday once again strongly objected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and made it clear that any efforts to expand the project or include other countries are “unacceptable.”

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh confirmed that the Government of India is aware of a recent trilateral meeting held in Beijing between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

"The government's stance on CPEC is clear and unambiguous. We have repeatedly objected to the concerned parties regarding the inclusion of the so-called CPEC as a flagship project of One Belt One Road/ Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR/BRI) since it goes through areas of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir that are illegally occupied by Pakistan," Singh stated.

Addressing Afghanistan’s recent participation, Singh clarified that India has firmly opposed any attempt to involve third countries in the CPEC and has already communicated its objections to the relevant governments.

"Any suggested involvement of third countries or enlargement of the so-called CPEC projects to third countries is unacceptable. The government has always expressed this position," Singh reiterated.

The minister also said that India continuously monitors foreign developments that could affect national security and takes "all necessary measures" to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.