China must reconsider approach to realise full potential of partnership with India Says PM
BEIJING: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that China must reconsider its approach on certain issues in order to realise the full potential of its partnership with India, adding that the two Asian giants have a ‘historic responsibility’ to use their relationship for the good of the world.
Addressing media after signing ceremony, PM Modi said, “I am very grateful to President Xi for his special gesture of hosting me in Xian; and, for showing me the city’s extraordinary heritage. It is a treasure of the world. I am pleased to visit China in the first year of my Government. This is one of our most important strategic partnerships.”
Modi further added, “Our relationship has been complex in recent decades. But, we have a historic responsibility to turn this relationship into a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world. We are committed to set a new direction between the two largest Asian countries.”
“My conversations with [Chinese] Premier Li Keqiang were candid, constructive and friendly. I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach to some issues that hold us back from realising the full potential of our partnership. We both reiterated our strong commitment to make all efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border region,” he added.
Modi also stressed the need for strengthening mutual trust and confidence while seeking solutions to outstanding issues.The Prime Minister said, “I sought tangible progress on issues relating to visa policy and trans-border rivers.
I also discussed some of our regional concerns. We agreed that as we move ahead, we should be sensitive to each other’s interests; strengthen mutual trust and confidence; continue to manage our difference with maturity; and, seek solutions to outstanding issues.”
“On the boundary question, we agreed that we continue to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution. We both reiterated our strong commitment to make all efforts to maintain peace and tranquility in the border region,” said Modi.
Stating that he looks forward to working with President Xi and Premier Li, Modi said, “I have welcomed President Xi’s proposal to hold regular summits to realize our vision for the relationship. I have also invited Premier Li to visit India at an early date.”
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Speaking at the forum, PM Narendra Modi said, “This forum has a special place in my heart. As I saw in my experience State government can take innumerable initiatives for development of states. In India’s Constitution, state governments have predominant role in economic and social development.”
He further added, “I speak of Team India. I believe foundation for India’s development will not be single pillar of Centre but 30 pillars of Centre, States. I speak of Cooperative Federalism, when the Centre and the States are partners.”
Stating that such a forum is a first that India has with any country, Modi said, ” We are truly taking our relationship outside our national capitals to state capitals and cities.”
Agreements on Railways, Education Exchange Program, Mining and Mineral sector, Space Co-operation, Broadcasting between CCTV & DD, Tourism Co-operation, India-China Think Tank Forums, Earthquake Science & Engineering, Development Research Centre and NITI Aayog, Co-op on Ocean Science were signed between India and China.
