India, China agree on steps for peace along borders
26 March 2015 4:16 AM IST
India and China have agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas which was a “pre-requisite” for continued growth of bilateral relations as also to enhance cooperation in key areas, including counter-terrorism, maritime security and civil nuclear energy sector.
In a first such engagement since Narendra Modi-led government came to power, the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China held the 18th round of talks on boundary issue and agreed to further expand contacts between the forces of the two countries as these constitute important confidence building measures for maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas.
"The talks were marked by cordiality and candour and were held in a constructive and forward looking atmosphere," External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday the end of talks, which were co-chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi.
The SRs discussed issues to "reach a mutually acceptable Framework for resolution of the Boundary Question on the basis of the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles", an MEA statement said.
The talks were aimed at paving the way for PM Narendra Modi’s visit to China in May. The SRs emphasised commitment to the three-step process to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the vexed issue at an early date and "agreed to take necessary steps to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas which is a pre-requisite for continued growth of bilateral relations".
The two sides also viewed development of bilateral ties following the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014, terming it as a "significant event" in India-China relations, the MEA statement said. They agreed to build on the momentum provided by his visit to further expand ties in areas such as railways, smart cities, vocational education and skill development.
Indian, Lankan fishermen meet
India and Sri Lankan fishermen associations on Tuesday concluded the third round of talks during which the Indian side presented several proposals, dealing with the issues of violation of the maritime boundary and fishing in each other’s waters. “India-Sri Lanka fishermen associations conclude talks. Indian proposals to be considered by Sri Lankan counterparts, who will revert in May,” the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said. However, the officials did not give details of the proposals given by Indian side.
PM hopes for 'concrete' outcomes from China visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was looking forward to his visit to China to interact with the top leadership, hoping it will have "concrete outcomes" and take the bilateral relationship to a new level.
This was told by Modi to Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who called on the PM and conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.
Outlining his vision for closer Indo-China ties and its significance to the region and the world, Modi hoped that his May visit to China will have "concrete outcomes and take the relationship to a new level," a PMO release said.
During the meeting, Modi also recalled Xi's visit to India in September last as Yang briefed Modi on the preparations for his upcoming visit to China.
Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that Modi said he would like to have in-depth exchanges of views with Chinese leaders on furthering of bilateral ties when he visits China.
In a first such engagement since Narendra Modi-led government came to power, the Special Representatives (SRs) of India and China held the 18th round of talks on boundary issue and agreed to further expand contacts between the forces of the two countries as these constitute important confidence building measures for maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas.
"The talks were marked by cordiality and candour and were held in a constructive and forward looking atmosphere," External Affairs Ministry said on Tuesday the end of talks, which were co-chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi.
The SRs discussed issues to "reach a mutually acceptable Framework for resolution of the Boundary Question on the basis of the Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles", an MEA statement said.
The talks were aimed at paving the way for PM Narendra Modi’s visit to China in May. The SRs emphasised commitment to the three-step process to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the vexed issue at an early date and "agreed to take necessary steps to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas which is a pre-requisite for continued growth of bilateral relations".
The two sides also viewed development of bilateral ties following the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014, terming it as a "significant event" in India-China relations, the MEA statement said. They agreed to build on the momentum provided by his visit to further expand ties in areas such as railways, smart cities, vocational education and skill development.
Indian, Lankan fishermen meet
India and Sri Lankan fishermen associations on Tuesday concluded the third round of talks during which the Indian side presented several proposals, dealing with the issues of violation of the maritime boundary and fishing in each other’s waters. “India-Sri Lanka fishermen associations conclude talks. Indian proposals to be considered by Sri Lankan counterparts, who will revert in May,” the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said. However, the officials did not give details of the proposals given by Indian side.
PM hopes for 'concrete' outcomes from China visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was looking forward to his visit to China to interact with the top leadership, hoping it will have "concrete outcomes" and take the bilateral relationship to a new level.
This was told by Modi to Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, who called on the PM and conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang.
Outlining his vision for closer Indo-China ties and its significance to the region and the world, Modi hoped that his May visit to China will have "concrete outcomes and take the relationship to a new level," a PMO release said.
During the meeting, Modi also recalled Xi's visit to India in September last as Yang briefed Modi on the preparations for his upcoming visit to China.
Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that Modi said he would like to have in-depth exchanges of views with Chinese leaders on furthering of bilateral ties when he visits China.
Next Story
