“China’s support for India’s permanent membership of a reformed UNSC and for India’s membership of export control regimes like Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) will do more than just strengthen our international cooperation,” Modi said while addressing the students of the Tsinghua University.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told the media that China for the first time said it has taken note of India’s interest to become a member of the 44-nation NSG which controls the civil nuclear technology trade regime. On UNSC, China reiterated that it backs India’s aspiration to play big role in the world body.
China is the only veto-wielding permanent member which is yet to come out in support of India’s interest to become a permanent UNSC member.
“It will take our relationship to a new level. It will give Asia stronger voice in the world,” Modi said. “If we are able to deepen mutual trust and confidence, we will also be able to reinforce each other’s efforts of connecting Asia with itself and rest of the world,” he said.
In an apparent reference to the frictions between the two countries over strategic rivalry in South Asia, Modi said, “We are both increasing our engagement in our shared neighbourhood. This calls for deeper strategic communication to build mutual trust and confidence.”
“We must ensure that our relationships with other countries do not become a source of concern for each other.”
Modi, Li ink 24 key agreements
India and China on Friday signed a record 24 agreements in key sectors, including in railways and education, on day two of PM Modi's first visit to the communist neighbour. Protocol for setting up Consulates-General at Chengdu and Chennai besides <g data-gr-id="60">an MoU</g> on <g data-gr-id="61">consultative</g> mechanism for cooperation in trade negotiations were among the 24 agreements signed in the presence of Modi and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang here. An action plan between the Indian Railways and China National Railways on enhancing cooperation in the railway sector was also signed.
“Today, we have signed over 20 agreements, covering diverse areas of cooperation. This shows the depth and maturity of our relationship and the positive direction of our partnership,” Modi said in his address. “Our decision to open consulates in Chengdu and Chennai reflects growing mutual confidence and shared commitment to <g data-gr-id="55">expand</g> relations,” he added. <g data-gr-id="53">An MoU</g> on <g data-gr-id="54">education</g> exchange programme and 'Space Cooperation Outline' <g data-gr-id="51">were</g> also signed.
Other key agreements are on developing <g data-gr-id="110">China India</g> think tanks, maritime cooperation and ocean sciences.
Four agreements were signed on sister-state and <g data-gr-id="116">sister city</g> relations between Karnataka and Sichuan province; Chennai and Chongqing; Hyderabad and Qingdao; and Aurangabad and Dunhuang. An agreement on setting up a Mahatma Gandhi skill centre in Ahmedabad was also signed <g data-gr-id="114">besides</g> a broadcast tie-up for Doordarshan and China's state-run CCTV.
Agreements on <g data-gr-id="115">education</g> exchange programme, on mining and minerals, skill development, tourism and vocational education also figured on the list.
Two MoUs between Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Yunnan Minzu University and another with Fudan University were signed on the establishment of a Yoga college and centre for Gandhian and Indian studies, respectively.
The two sides signed a record 24 agreements covering railways, mining, outer space, earthquake science and engineering, tourism, <g data-gr-id="122">sister-cities</g> and establishment of consulates in Chengdu and Chennai.
A Joint Statement issued after the talks said, “The two sides affirmed that an early settlement of the boundary question serves the basic interests of the two countries and should be pursued as a strategic objective by the two governments.
“Bearing in mind the overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples, the two sides are determined to actively seek a political settlement of the boundary question.”
It added that the “two sides will resolve outstanding differences, including the boundary question, in a proactive manner. Those differences should not be allowed to come in the way of continued development of bilateral relations.”
Modi said, “Sometimes small steps can have a deep impact on how our people see each other” as he pitched for strengthening mutual trust and confidence while seeking solutions to outstanding issues.
Observing that “dreams” as well as “future” of India and China are “inter-connected”, he underlined that there was “no question of going back”. But “standing still was not an option” and “moving forward is the only way”, he added, according to Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.
The Indian leader sought “tangible progress” on issues relating to visa, an apparent reference to stapled visas issued by China to residents of Arunachal Pradesh.
“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 media interaction with Li after their talks.
“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 <g data-gr-id="126">long term</g> view of our relations,” he said, adding “I found the Chinese leadership responsive.”
This comes a day after Modi raised concern with Chinese President Xi Jinping over China's USD 46 billion proposed investment in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Li said, “We do not deny that there are some disagreements between <g data-gr-id="112">us</g> but there <g data-gr-id="111">is</g> a mechanism and sufficient political maturity to address them.”