Beijing: At a joint media interaction with Chinese Premier Mr Li Keqiang, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked Beijing to “reconsider its approach on some issues that hold us back”, an apparent reference to the long-pending boundary issue matters like issuance of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh over which China lays claim. Sources said, Mr Modi sent a clear message on the boundary issue, saying there was “no question of going back” and “standing still is also not an option”.
The two sides decided to increase the number of border meeting points of their military personnel from the existing four to six as they underlined that maintenance of peace and tranquility on the border was an “important guarantor” for the development and continued growth of ties. Noting that India and China have had “complex” ties over the last few decades, Mr Modi said the two nations have a “historic responsibility” to turn their ties into “a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world.”
He underlined that the two countries need to be “sensitive to each other’s interests” and “think of creative solutions to issues that have become irritants — from visa policies to trans-border rivers”. Mr Modi described his talks with Mr Li as “candid, constructive and friendly”, covering “all issues”.
Mr Li said China stands ready to work with India to jointly forge a “closer developmental partnership”. In an address at the Tsinghua University later, Mr Modi said, “If we have to realise the extraordinary potential of our partnership, we must also address the issues that lead to hesitation and doubts, even distrust, in our relationship”.
The joint statement said the Chinese side took note of India’s aspirations to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, in a bid to strengthen international non-proliferation efforts.
