Sushma proposes 6-point template

On her maiden visit to China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday proposed a six-point “template” to broad-base Sino-India engagement with an action-oriented approach to usher in an Asian century.

Addressing an India-China Media forum here, Swaraj proposed that the two countries should follow an action-oriented approach, broad-base bilateral engagement, converge common, regional and global interests, develop new areas of cooperation, expand strategic communication, and fulfil common aspirations to usher in an “Asian century”.

Highlighting that her visit is taking place against the backdrop of a new government taking office in India with a decisive mandate, Swaraj said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led regime propelled the aspirations of a young, vibrant and enterprising generation.

“Even in the last eight months it is already evident that dramatic transformations are under way in my country, which will accelerate our journey to modernity,” said Swaraj.

She added that Modi has already had three meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and also met Premier Li Keqiang. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was the first foreign dignitary to have been invited by India after the Modi government took over, said Swaraj, pointing the to importance Delhi attached to relations with Beijing. 

On defence, Swaraj said: “We have made considerable progress in establishing and expanding defence contacts and exchanges, including those across our borders. “They contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquillity there—a perquisite to and for the further development of our relationship. On the boundary question, my government is committed to an early settlement,” she said.

Stating that the relationship has grown beyond bilateral ties, Swaraj said the two countries now are parts of multilateral bodies like BRICS and BASIC. The minister said she would attend the Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meet on Monday. Swaraj said, more importantly, the relationship with key neighbours requires strong and broad-based support from people of both countries. 

Swaraj said she would be launching “2015: Visit India Year” in China. “Tourism is an effective vehicle to promote people-to-people understanding, and the two countries agreed that we need to make stronger efforts in that regard,” she said, adding that the cultural exchange initiative that was agreed upon during Xi’s visit is currently under way.