Q.No.1 There are important opportunities for the development of Sino-Indian relations. Could you please talk about hopes and expectations of the forthcoming visit to India by the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao? How do you assess the present trend and prospects of Sino-Indian relations?

There has been steady progress in bilateral relations especially since the visit of Prime Minister Vajpayee to China in June 2003. The Declaration of June 2003 enshrines the principles on the basis of which we have agreed to build our long term and constructive relationship.

The visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to India next month will mark a new phase in the development and diversification of our bilateral relations. It will also add to the growth of trust and understanding between our two countries. During his visit we expect to progress our relationship in such a manner that will further facilitate greater exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries. A series of important agreements are expected to be signed.

Q.No.2 China and India are the two ancient civilizations of the Orient with bright cultures. What are your views for converting these profound cultural traditions into motivating forces for development and manifestation of the value system and development outlook specific to the Orient so that the two countries could play a better role in the international arena, which is a matter of common interest to both?

India and China are both ancient civilizations which have interacted to mutual benefit in the past. We are neighbours and the two largest developing countries in the world; also the two most populous countries in the world. Both are developing countries which have of late been enjoying very rapid rates of growth. Our socio-economic developmental experiences are most relevant for each other. This is especially so since the developmental base of our economies is quite similar.

India is an open, multi cultural, multi ethnic and multi linguistic society. We are an example of pluralism at work. We are also proud that we have sustained our cultural values and traditions to a very significant extent while engaged in the process of modernization and adaptation to globalization.

The India-China partnership for constructive cooperation and the sustained economic and social development in our two countries, which represent over 1/3rd of humanity, is vital for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity not only in Asia but in the whole world. Using this partnership, our effort is to built a qualitatively new relationship. This will enable both our countries to play their legitimate role in the international arena.

Q.No.3 As two big developing countries, China and India are engaged in their economic development. How do you look at the international thinking about the future partnership or competition between the two countries?

India and China are the two potential power houses of Asia. It is, therefore, not surprising that there are those who would like to see us as rivals in the increasingly globalised world economy. There is no doubt that there are and will be areas of competition between us. A certain amount of healthy competition is always good for it keeps us on our toes. But, there is more than ample space in the world economy for both our fast growing economies to be accommodated. As cooperation between our two countries in trade and economy develops, our synergies are likely to grow. Our engagement of and cooperation with the economies of ASEAN and East Asia will also be to our mutual benefit.
Q.No.4 The bilateral Sino-Indian trade turnover crossed the US$ 10 billion mark last year, demonstrating the existence of great potential for economic cooperation between the two countries. Has India any concrete plans for promoting long term trade and economic cooperation with China and what is the overall goal?

Over the last few years as relations between our two countries have developed and diversified, our two economies have continued to grow rapidly and our bilateral interaction has also strengthened. Bilateral trade has grown very significantly and the challenge before us now is to sustain a sufficiently high growth rate in the years ahead. Economic cooperation activities have also progressed.

The Joint Study Group established by our Prime Ministers in June 2003 to examine potential complementarities and draw up a programme for development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation is expected to conclude its work before Premier Wen Jiabao’s forthcoming visit to India. We look forward to the JSG making concrete recommendations that would enable us to further cement the trade and economic partnership between our two countries. There is need for much greater trade facilitation on both sides. Information gaps still remain but the process of discovering each other’s markets and opportunities is well underway and bodes well.

The development of India-China trade and economic cooperation has to be a cooperative venture between our two countries.

Q.No.5 No doubt, there has been some minor unpleasantness in Sino-Indian relations and there remain certain questions left behind by history that are yet to be resolved. What measures you think are necessary that the two sides should adopt to continue and expand future exchanges and for enhancing mutual trust so as to ensure lasting, stable and healthy friendly relations and for developing an in-depth and mutually beneficial cooperation.

The June 2003 Declaration clearly enunciates the principles for relations and comprehensive cooperation between our two countries. Adherence to these principles is the necessary condition for ensuring long term, friendly and mutually beneficial relations between our two countries. As you know, that Declaration provides a shared vision of bilateral relations and an agreed framework for cooperation. It also provides for mechanisms and interim measures to resolve important outstanding differences.

Q.No.6 Last year, China and India together held commemorative activities for the 50th anniversary of the five principles of mutual co-existence. How do you think the spirit of five principles would continue to manifest in the present day international relations?

The principles of Panchsheel (what you call the Five Principles) remain valid in today’s world. They can help address the existing and emerging challenges before the international community. Today, Panchsheel can help move the world away from the traditional concept of balance of power and its attendant patterns of behaviour. As Prime Minister Nehru said in September 1955, the essence of Panchsheel is to welcome association and friendship with all and the flow of thought and ideas of all kind but to reserve the right to choose one’s own path.