Introduction:
In a development causing consternation in Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ruffled diplomatic feathers by including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of India in a map highlighting the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. While this gesture sparked ire in Islamabad, it also merits a closer examination of the economic corridor project and the impact of the Abraham Accords.
The UAE's Map Stirs Controversy:
Pakistan is less than pleased with a UAE Minister's video clip showcasing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, as it prominently displays the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) within India's borders. This includes areas like Gilgit Baltistan and PoK, over which Pakistan exercises administrative control.
Pakistan's Concerns:
Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, denounced the map, stating that any depiction of J&K as solely part of India is legally untenable and factually incorrect. She underscored that J&K is an internationally recognized disputed territory, with its final status subject to UN Security Council resolutions and the desires of the Kashmiri people. Baloch emphasized that Azad J&K and Gilgit Baltistan are firmly under Pakistan's control.
US President Biden's Mention:
Interestingly, during a brief mention of the corridor, US President Joe Biden hinted that pipelines in the Mediterranean would become part of the project. Furthermore, the US State Department commemorated the third anniversary of the Abraham Accords. These accords marked the normalization of relations between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, leading to further alliances like the Negev Forum and I2U2 partnership, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the US. The I2U2 partnership, in particular, catalyzed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, aiming to enhance shared capabilities and collaboration to address contemporary challenges.
Conclusion:
The inclusion of PoK in India on the UAE's map for the Economic Corridor has stirred diplomatic tension between Pakistan and the UAE. Meanwhile, the Economic Corridor project itself, coupled with the Abraham Accords, reflects evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region and underscores the UAE's burgeoning role as a regional economic powerhouse. The implications of these developments will undoubtedly shape future regional collaborations and partnerships.
