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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 27/06/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (27-06-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. Examine the significance of India’s recent refusal to endorse the SCO joint statement over the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). What does this decision reveal about India’s foreign policy priorities and strategic autonomy in multilateral forums?

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

At the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, India chose not to sign the joint economic cooperation statement due to its implicit endorsement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This move highlights India’s consistent opposition to the BRI—especially its China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) component, which violates India’s sovereignty by passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Why India Opposes the BRI

Reason	Explanation
🗺️ Sovereignty Concerns	CPEC infringes on Indian territorial claims in PoK
🧭 Lack of Transparency	BRI projects have been criticized for opaque financing
💰 Debt Diplomacy Risks	Several BRI participants (e.g., Sri Lanka) have faced debt crises
🌍 Strategic Imbalance	BRI is viewed as China’s geopolitical tool, especially in South Asia

Implications for India’s Foreign Policy

A. Assertion of Strategic Autonomy

India’s decision reflects an independent and principle-based foreign policy, resisting pressure from powerful neighbours like China and blocs like SCO.
It reinforces India’s credibility as a sovereign player even in multilateral platforms.

B. Diplomatic Balance

India continues to engage with SCO members on issues like counterterrorism, energy, and connectivity, without compromising its core interests.
This selective engagement is part of issue-based alignment, not bloc alignment.

C. Regional Signaling

The move sends a message to China and Pakistan that territorial integrity is non-negotiable.
Simultaneously, India uses platforms like INSTC, Chabahar, and BIMSTEC to promote alternative connectivity.

Challenges Arising from This Stand

Challenge	Details
🤝 Trust Deficit with China	May worsen already tense Sino-Indian relations
🌍 Limited Leverage in SCO	India may find itself isolated in a China-led SCO
🧭 Balancing Multiple Forums	Requires finesse in dealing with Russia, Iran, and Central Asia
📉 Influence Dilution	Non-signature may reduce India’s say in economic policies of SCO

Way Forward

Recommendation	Strategy
🛤️ Promote Own Corridors	Strengthen Chabahar Port, North–South Transport Corridor, Act East
🤝 Deepen Central Asia Ties	Use soft power, education, and trade to expand influence
🗣️ Diplomatic Clarity	Clearly articulate India’s conditional participation in joint communiqués
📊 Regional Coalitions	Partner with Iran, Kazakhstan, and Russia on alternate regional projects

Conclusion

India’s refusal to sign the SCO joint statement is not isolationism—it is a principled assertion of sovereignty and strategic clarity. As multilateralism becomes more complex, India must pursue flexible engagement that safeguards its interests while contributing meaningfully to regional cooperation.

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