JOIN USModi to visit China in May: Sushma
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on an “outcome-driven” maiden visit to China before May 26, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said here on Sunday.
Sushma said Modi would undertake the visit before the BJP-led NDA government completes one year in office. A contact group is being established by both sides to work out a complete agenda for it, she said while stressing that “it has to be an outcome-driven visit”.
The minister held talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on key issues where she emphasised that maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border was essential for the development of ties.
“We have made considerable progress in establishing and expanding defence contacts and exchanges. They contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquillity there– a prerequisite for the further development of our relationship.
On the boundary question, my government is committed to exploring early settlement,” said Sushma, who addressed the media after a lengthy round of talks with Wang.
In the meeting that stretched beyond two hours, the two leaders discussed the resolution of the border dispute, which is being tackled by Special Representatives of both the countries. Both sides agreed that the resolution of the dispute should not be left to future generations.
Sushma said Modi and President Xi Jinping were leaders with strong “will power” and both think out of the box. They could find a solution to the dispute during Modi’s visit.
Earlier in the day, Sushma addressed an India-China Media Forum at the start of her maiden visit.
She proposed a six-point template to build Sino-India ties to realise the common dream of the “Asian Century”.
The visit also set the pace for the 18th round of border talks in which National Security Adviser Ajit Doval would represent India for the first time as Special Representative. Sushma and Wang discussed a possible date for the next round of border talks. She will call on Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday and will hold talks with her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. Sushma will also attend the Russia, India, China foreign ministers’ meeting.
Significantly, the much-hyped China’s concerns over United States President Barack Obama’s visit to India did not figure in the talks. China also did not raise concerns over the South China Sea. Wang said: “We believe India-US relations and India-China relationship are two separate bilateral relationships. As two big neighbours and two important developing countries, we absolutely have the need and possibility to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.
On China’s mega Silk Road and Maritime Silk Road plans, Sushma said India will not provide any blanket endorsement. “We will look into our interests. Wherever our interests converge, we cooperate. No blanket endorsement,” she said.