Aware of China funding of infrastructure projects in countries in South Asia: Govt

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said the government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security

The government on March 16 said it is aware of China funding infrastructure projects including in ports, highways, and airports in countries in South Asia.

Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said India is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy. He was replying to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Mr. Muraleedharan said the government keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on India's security and takes all necessary measures to safeguard it.

"The government is aware that China is engaging in funding of infrastructure projects in countries in South Asia, including in ports, highways, railways and airports," Mr. Muraleedharan said.

He said India is an active economic partner of its neighbours and is involved in a large number of development projects in these countries.

"India also has extensive ties with its neighbours in diverse fields including defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges," he said.

To a separate question, Mr. Muraleedharan said there have been instances of attacks on Indian nationals and persons of Indian origins (PIOs) in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada in the last few years and some of these attacks appeared to be racially motivated.