India and China held bilateral talks in Beijing in the presence of PM, Modi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep gratitude for the special gestures extended by President Mr. Xi Jinping and Premier Mr. Li Keqiang during the visit and thanked the Chinese people for the warm welcome. The leaders noted that there is historically imperative for India and China to enrich their bilateral relations, with the agreement on building closer partnership. They noted that India-China bilateral relations are poised to play a defining role in the 21st Century in Asia. Constructive model of relationship between the two countries, the biggest emerging economies and two major poles in the global architecture provides a new basis for pursuing state-to-state relations to help and strengthen the international system.
The leaders of both countries agreed to enhance communication through frequent exchanges and by fully utilising the existing dialogue mechanisms. To facilitate and promote greater cultural, tourism, economic and people-to-people engagement between the two countries, an additional Consulate General will be established in each other's country. India will open a new Consulate General in Chengdu and China will open in Chennai. The Indian side welcomed the visit of a Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China to India this year and the Chinese side invited the Indian Defense Minister and other military leaders to visit China this year. Both the countries acknowledged the positive role of the Agreements and Protocols that have been signed so far in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas.
In a significant move, both 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.India and China will resolve outstanding differences, including the boundary question, in a proactive manner. Peace and tranquillity in the India-China border is recognized as an important guarantor for the development and continued growth of bilateral relations.
India and China have inked a record 24 bilateral agreements after the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. “Signing Ceremony in progress. A record 24 Bilateral Agreements being signed between India and China,” tweeted external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup. The list of agreements signed between the two countries is as below.
The visit is termed as historic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Premier Li Keqiang to visit India at a mutually convenient time. Premier Li accepted the invitation with pleasure.
By Premji
