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India to initiate talks with China to revive ‘Silk Route’

India will initiate talks with the Chinese Government to revive the historic ‘Silk Route’ between the two countries for tourism and commercial purposes.

Sources said the Ministry of External Affairs is all set to take up the proposal with the Chinese government. The Tourism Ministry has also taken the initiative. Though there is no official confirmation from both the ministries, but sources said that the matter would be discussed during the visit of Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Vinod Zutshi, to China.

Zutshi on Saturday visited Shanghai to attend an event, which was a part of road shows being conducted in different parts of the world to promote participation of investors at the forthcoming Incredible India Tourism Investors summit scheduled  to be held in New Delhi from September 21-23  being organised by the Tourism Ministry in partnership with Tourism Finance Corporation of India and the CII. About 20 prominent investors participated in the event.

The ‘Silk Route’ or ‘Silk Road’ refers to a network of ancient trade routes connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. Spread in more than 6,500 kms, the Silk Route was majorly used to transport Chinese Silk to Europe through Central Asia from 2nd Century BC. However, many trade routes (both sea and land routes) existed in much earlier times that connected the main Silk Route and traded in different commodities ranging from salt to gold. 

Silk Route’s greatest contribution to world history was not mere trading of few commodities but exchange of ideas, art and science between Asia, Europe and Africa. It was the world’s first information superhighway.

On Sunday, China launched a cargo train service from Guangzhou city to Russia on Sunday to boost trade as part of its multi-billion dollar project to revive ancient silk routes. The train will travel 11,500 km over 14 days before reaching its destination. It is the latest freight train route China has launched along the ancient Silk Road, Xinhua news agency reported.
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