After voicing concern over China’s investments in PoK, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked it to “reconsider” its approach on some of the issues and take a strategic and long-term view to push the relationship which has been “complex” in recent decades.
Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Li Keqiang, sought tangible progress on issues relating to visa, an apparent reference to stapled visas issued by China to the residents of Arunachal Pradesh, as he underlined that the two countries need to be “sensitive to each other’s interests''.
He stressed the need for strengthening mutual trust and confidence while seeking solutions to outstanding issues.
The two sides signed a record 24 agreements covering railways, mining, outer space, earthquake science and engineering, tourism, sister-cities and establishment of consulates in Chengdu and Chennai.
“Our conversations were candid, constructive and friendly. We covered all issues, including those that trouble smooth development of our relations,” Modi said at a joint press interaction here along with Li after the talks held at the Great Hall of People.
“I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach on some of the issues that hold us back from realising full potential of our partnership. I suggested that China should take a strategic and long-term view of our relations,” Modi said.
China's investment in PoK
The statement comes a day after Modi raised concern with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their talks in Xi’an over China’s $46 billion proposed investment in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
“I found the Chinese leadership responsive,” he said, adding that the re-emergence of India and China and their relationship will have a profound impact on the two countries and the course of this century.
Noting that India-China relationship has been “complex in recent decades”, Modi said the two countries have a “historic responsibility to turn this relationship into a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world''.
Boundary issue
On the boundary question, Modi said the two sides agreed to continue to explore a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution.
“We both reiterated our strong commitment to make all efforts to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border region,” he said.