India voices concern over China-Pakistan rail link proposal

India has voiced concern over China's plans to construct a rail link with Pakistan through the Karakoram ranges and said it would have to take counter measures against such provocative moves.

A Chinese rail link to Pakistan is really a matter of concern for India, minister of state for defence Pallam Raju said, adding that the proposed link is through Indian territory, which is illegally occupied by Pakistan.

China is reported to be planning to build rail link to Pakistan via Gilgit-Baltistan region in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), so as to extend its reach to the Arabian Sea.

The prospect of China-Pakistan rail link is all the more worrisome for India since the two are working 'closely together' and 'cooperating closely' on defence and strategic issues.

Media reports said China and Pakistan are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding for a rail track linking Havelian in China and Khunjerab in Pakistan, soon.

Ishfaq Khattak, general manager (operations) of Pakistan Railways, is reported to have left for China on a 12-day visit. His visit coincides the visit of the official delegation of President Asif Ali Zardari.