New Delhi - Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah emphasized on Monday that the nation's foreign policy must always be grounded in reciprocity. He suggested that if China does not endorse the "one India" policy, New Delhi should reconsider its support for Beijing's 'One China' policy.
Questioning why China should object to meetings in Jammu and Kashmir or any other part of India, the National Conference Vice President pondered that if China maintains its position, India should also raise concerns regarding Tibet, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Omar, a former Minister of State of External Affairs, expressed his views, stating, "I think it's extremely unfortunate that the government of India keeps repeating its (adherence to) One China policy yet for some reason, China doesn't reciprocate. Our foreign policy should always be based on reciprocity. If China doesn't accept a one India policy, then why should India accept One China policy?"
He added, "It shouldn't be one-sided that only China can raise questions about what happens in India and not vice versa. I believe that if China is going to continue to do this, then India must also revisit its One China policy," as he spoke to reporters.
China, a G20 member, along with Pakistan, had voiced objections to the decision to hold G20 events in Kashmir, referring to it as "disputed territory." China also disputes India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, although India consistently dismisses these claims by both China and Pakistan.
When asked about the issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview with PTI last week, commented, "Such a question would be valid if we had refrained from conducting meetings in those venues. Ours is such a vast, beautiful and diverse nation. When G20 meetings are happening, isn't it natural that meetings will be held in every part of our country?"
India hosted the third G-20 working group meeting on tourism for three days starting May 22 in Srinagar. Delegates from all G20 countries, except China, attended the event in the picturesque Valley. Earlier, a significant number of delegates had also visited Arunachal Pradesh for a G-20 event in March.
India rejected Chinese claims and asserted its right to hold meetings within its own territory. Prime Minister Modi stated that by the end of India's G20 presidency term, over 220 meetings would have been held across 60 cities in all 28 states and eight Union territories. He added that over one lakh participants from around 125 nationalities would have the opportunity to witness the capabilities of the Indian people.