'Sino-Indian ties to benefit world'

Beijing, Jan 5: Chi and India are re-emerging in a mutually supportive manner and their cooperation will benefit the world, India’s ambassador Ashok Kantha has said. Kantha has a “sense of deep satisfaction” as relations between the Asian neighbours gained momentum since he took office in 2014, Xinhua quoted the ambassador as saying. Kantha will complete his tenure and leave Chi this week.

The last two years were “the most productive phase” in the development of Sino-Indian ties, as shown by frequent high-level exchanges, especially the two landmark visits by leaders of the two countries, he said. In September 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited India. In May 2015, Xi welcomed Modi to his hometown. In addition to reaching a series of agreements and understandings, the leaders also sent out “very powerful sigls of the desire by India and Chi to work together”, said Kantha.

The re-emergence of India and Chi was a defining development of the 21st century, and the two countries have to take into consideration each other’s interests, concerns and aspirations, he added.

Chi is one of India’s largest trading partners, with two-way trade in 2015 expected to reach $100 billion. “We need to move to a more balanced trade relationship,” said Kantha, adding India was trying to expand its economic engagement and attract investment from Chinese companies. While Chi has promoted strategies including ‘Made in Chi 2025’ and ‘Internet Plus’, India has launched initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’ and ‘Smart Cities’. Kantha said these will create new opportunities for the two countries to contribute to each other’s development. “Indian companies have strengths when it comes to the knowledge-based economy, which can contribute to Chi’s economic development, which emphasises innovation and R&D,” said Kantha. (IANS)