Politically feasible framework needed on border row with China: NSA

He said there was a marked similarity of goals that India and China were pursuing and the two neighbours should "actively consider together the next steps" in the evolution of their ties.
Delving elaborately on Sino-Indian relations at a lecture here, Menon contended that the two countries had the "ability" to manage their relations despite differences and they needed to grasp the opportunities offered by their economic transformation and evolving global situation.

"The two countries have found a 'modus vivendi' (agreeing to disagree) to deal with the fact of the boundary issue and to manage their different approaches to issues where their peripheries overlap," he said.

Both countries can "evolve a detailed framework for the resolution of the boundary issue in a manner that is politically feasible for both leaderships," said Menon, who is the new Special Representative of India for the boundary talks with China.

"India and China both cooperate and compete at the same time because of their interests and how they perceive the balance of power and situation around them," Menon said at a seminar organised by Indian Council for World Affairs to commemorate 60th anniversary of India-China diplomatic ties.

"While there may be differences in method and choice of tools, in most cases there is a marked similarity of goals," he said, adding "Naturally, the bilateral modus vivendi which has been in place for some time may need to be reworked periodically in the light of developments in our countries and around us."

Menon said there was space in Asia and the world for both India and China to grow and develop and "for us to do so in a way that is mutually-reinforcing, if we both wish it."