Interaction with Chinese Scholars on the Belt & Road Initiative

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With Beijing upping its diplomatic ante on its ‘Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a group of Chinese scholars, led by Amb Liu Jinsong, visited the VIF to seek support for an international conference on the BRI slated to take place in Beijing on 14 & 15 May 2017. Briefing on the benefits of BRI accruing to India and the agenda of the conference, the delegation opined that that India’s participation will contribute to the success of the conference.

During the interactive session, the VIF faculty stated while India supported connectivity across the region, they remained skeptical about aspects of the BRI undermining India’s territorial and security interests. General NC Vij, Director, VIF, moderated the discussions, while Lt Gen Ravi Sawhney, Amb TCA Rangachari, Amb Ashok Kantha, among others, engaged the visiting delegates in a productive exchange of thoughts.