Speeches / Statements

Statement on 13th Round of India-China Special Representatives Talks

08/08/2009

The 13th Round of India-China Special Representatives Talks on the Boundary Question concluded in New Delhi today. The two day talks between the National Security Adviser Shri M.K. Narayanan and the Chinese State Councillor Mr. Dai Bingguo were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.

Apart from the boundary issues, discussions covered a broad agenda which included the entire gamut of bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Describing relations with China as a key foreign policy priority for India, Shri M.K. Narayanan said that the joint document on a “Shared Vision for the 21st Century” signed during Prime Minister’s visit to China in January 2008 has taken bilateral relations to a new level. There has been a significant expansion in bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, defence, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Reciprocating the sentiments expressed by NSA, Mr. Dai Bingguo referred to rapid growth witnessed in the bilateral relations in recent years. Highlighting the importance of ongoing consultations and coordination between the two countries at multilateral fora, he expressed the hope that the two countries will jointly meet global challenges in the spirit of the Shared Vision. Mr. Dai Bingguo said that China takes a positive view of India’s development and progress, and also supports a bigger role for India in international affairs.

Both sides noted that the Strategic and Cooperative Partnership established between India and China in 2005 was a major milestone in the relationship and reiterated the commitment of both countries to consolidate this Partnership in all fields in a comprehensive way.

On the Boundary Question, both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress being made through the Special Representatives mechanism and reiterated that pending the settlement of the boundary issue, peace and tranquility should be maintained in our border areas.

During his visit, Mr. Dai Bingguo called on the Prime Minister and the Chairperson, UPA. He conveyed the greetings of President Hu Jintao and also handed over a written message of greetings from Premier Wen Jiabao to the Prime Minister.

New Delhi
August 8, 2009