Sushma Swaraj China Visit - News and Discussion

[sorcerer]

Sushma Swaraj proposes 6-point template to boost India-China ties -

On her maiden visit to China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday proposed a six point "template" to broad base Sino-India engagement with an action oriented approach to usher in Asian century.

Addressing an India-China Media forum at the start of her visit here, Swaraj proposed the two countries should follow action oriented approach, broad base bilateral engagement, convergence of common, regional and global interests, develop new areas of cooperation, expand strategic communication, fullfill common aspirations to usher "Asian century".

Highlighting that her visit is taking place against the backdrop of new government taking over office in India with a decisive mandate, Swaraj said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government propelled the aspiration of young, vibrant and enterprising generation.

"Even in the last eight months it is already evident that dramatic transformations are underway in my country that will accelerate our journey to modernity," Swaraj said.

In the background of a strong government emerging in India, Swaraj said Modi already had three meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and met Premier Li Keqiang.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was the first foreign dignitary to have been invited by India after Modi government took over, Swaraj said pointing the to important India attached to the relations with China.

On the defence relations between the two countries Swaraj said "we have made considerable progress in establishing and expanding defence contacts and exchanges including across the our border".

"They contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquillity there, a perquisite to, for the further development of our relationship. On the boundary question my government is committed to expanding an early settlement", she said.

Stating that the ties have grown beyond bilateral ties, Swaraj said the two countries now are parts of multilateral bodies like BRICS and BASIC.

The minister said she will be attending the Russia, India, China Foreign Ministers meet tomorrow.

Swaraj said more importantly the relationship with key neighbours requires strong and broad based support from people of both the countries.

"It is only logical that therefore we have invested our energies in strengthening people to people contacts. During this visit I expect to that area to be forward in many ways", she said.

Swaraj said she will be launching "2015: Visit India Year in China".

"Tourism is an effective vehicle to promote people to people understanding and the two countries agreed that we need to make stronger efforts in that regard" she said adding that the cultural exchange initiative agreed during Xi's visit is currently under way.

Swaraj said "a critical nature" of the bilateral ties are the growing economic ties.

"China today is our largest partner in trade and goods. The two countries are moving to invest in each other. Serious discussions enhancing connectivity has been initiated. On that
foundation we are now seeking to take our economic cooperation to a qualitatively new level", she added.

She was received by the Chinese Information Minister Jiang Jianguuo when she arrived to address the Forum attended by a number of journalists from India and China.

Swaraj said the "close developmental partnership" agreed during last September visit of Xi to India "symbolises that determination".

"Another major thrust is in establishing industrial parts in to India that would contribute to Make in India campaign", she said.

"China agreed to invest USD 20 billion in the parks. We will make it easier for Chinese companies to do business in India and expect that similar encouragement would be given to our companies to expand their business in China", she added

Eluding to civilisational links between the two countries and the far reaching influence of Buddhism, Swaraj said "Our ancient scholars of two civilisations have played their critical role in building of these ties".

"Chinese monks Fa Hsien and Xuan Zang and many other braved many difficulties to travel to India in search of knowledge. Similarly Indian monks Kashyap Matanga and Kumarjiva and many others travelled to China to spread the knowledge", she said.

"It is important for us to revive Xuan Zanvg spirit among Chinese scholars and journalists, Kumarajiva spirit among Indian scholars and journalists," she added.

"As visit India year is celebrated this year followed visit China year, this is most appropriate opportunity to reinvigorate the Xuan Zang and Kumarajva spirit," Swaraj said.
- See more at: Sushma Swaraj proposes 6-point template to boost India-China ties | The Indian Express
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I loved the lullaby in the end..

 

[sorcerer]

External Affairs Minister's remarks at the launch of the 2nd India-China Media Forum, Beijing

February 01, 2015
Your Excellency, Mr. Jiang Jianguo, Director of the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China.
Your Excellency, Vice Minister of the SCIO, Mr. Zhou Mingwei,
Your Excellency, Mr. Ashok Kantha, Ambassador of India to China,
Distinguished members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very happy to address this august gathering of eminent opinion makers of the two largest Asian societies here in Beijing today. At the outset, let me express my deep appreciation to H.E. Mr. Jiang Jianguo, Director of the State Council Information Office for the outstanding arrangements made for the second India-China Media Forum.

The Media Forum was envisaged as a platform to encourage appreciation and build understanding of each other's societies in our respective media. As our strategic and cooperative relationship deepens in the bilateral domain and expands in regional and international cooperation, it is vital that or people have a good understanding of each other's interests and viewpoints.

This is more so as the media in each country has its own national characteristic. I would, therefore, like to express my strong confidence that this second meeting of such an important forum would build further on the 2013 event and contribute to a stronger India-China media relationship.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, My visit to China takes place against the backdrop of a new Government in India that came into office after general elections last May. This is a Government with a decisive mandate propelled by the aspirations of a young, vibrant and enterprising generation. Even in the last eight months, it is already evident that drastic transformations are underway in my country that will accelerate our journey to modernity.

A number of key initiatives addressing a wide range of ambitious goals are unfolding. They provide new opportunities for cooperation insofar as our key international partners are concerned. Where China is concerned, this is very evident in the frequency of our high-level exchanges and the widening of our already substantive bilateral agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has three successful meetings with President Xi Jinping, the most important of course being during President Xi's visit to India last September. He has also has occasion to interact with Primier Li Keqiang.

I myself have had the privilege of engaging my counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who incidentally was the first Foreign Minister we invited to India after our assumption of office. We expect that the momentum that has been set in the last few months would not only be kept up but accelerated event further at various levels.

A critical change in nature of our bilateral ties over the last few decades has been its growing economic dimension. China is today our largest partner in trade in goods. The two economies are moving to invest each other. Serious discussions on enhancing connectivity have been initiated. On that foundation, we are now seeking to take our economic cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

The 'Closer Development Partnership' agreed upon during President Xi's visit symbolizes that determination. A particularly significant new area of collaboration is in railways. This includes heavy haulage, speed upgradation, station development and capacity building.

Another major thrust is in establishing industrial parks in two Indian states that would contribute to the 'Make in India' initiative. We will make it easier for Chinese companies to do business in India and expect that similar encouragement would be given to our companies to expand their business in China.

Important relationships with key neighbors require strong and broad-based support of the people in all countries. It is only logical, therefore, that we have invested our energies in strengthening people-to-people contacts. During this visit, I expect to take that area forward in many ways.

Tomorrow, we will be launching the '2015: Visit India Year' in China. Tourism is an effective vehicle to promote people-to-people understanding and our two Governments have agreed that we need to make stronger efforts in that regard. You are also aware that the India-China Cultural Exchange Initiative agrees on during President Xi's visit is currently underway.

Another recent development worth noting is the establishment of our first sister-province ties between Gujarat and Guangdong. But, what is of special resonance in my country is the understanding to open an additional route through Nathula for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Our relationship today has reached a level where we have interactions in fields that could not have been imagined some years ago. We have made considerable progress in establishing and expanding defence contacts and exchanges, including across our border. They contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquility there, a pre-requisite for the further development of our relationship. On the boundary question, my Government is committed to exploring an early settlement.

Relations between India and China have grown beyond their bilateral and regional dimension and today cover the entire international spectrum. We are partners in G-20, BRICS and BASIC, among other groupings. During this visit, I will also be participating in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Russia-India-China group.

As both our countries play a larger international role, our contacts and dialogues must commensurately grow. As the two major civilizational powers of Asia we should have confidence in each other, to build on our shared interests. I expect discussions during this visit to contribute to this objective.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Xi in Fortaleza in July last year that India and China were two bodies with one spirit. During his visit to India later that September, President Xi alluded to the civilizational links nurtured by inspiring personalities and the far reaching influence of Buddhism.

Our two countries have age old ties. Ancient scholars of our cilvilzations have played critical role in building of these ties. Chinese monks Fa Hsien and Xuan Zang and many other braved many difficulties to travel to India in search of knowledge. Similarly, Indian monks Kashyap Matanga, Dharmaratna and many others travelled to China to spread knowledge.

It is important for us to revive the Xuan Zang spirit among Chinese scholars and journalists and Kumarjiva spirit among Indian scholars and journalists. This year we are celebrating as the Visit India Year in China. Next year will be the Visit China Year in India. This is the most appropriate opportunity to boost our ties.

To initiate a new century of mutual learning to enrich our respective civilisations and to realise the dream of and 'Asian Century', I would suggest a six-point template for us to build our relations on:

A. Action- oriented approach

B. Broad-base bilateral engagement

C. Convergence on common regional and global interests

D. Develop new areas of cooperation

E. Expand strategic communication

F. Fulfull common aspirations to usher 'Asian Century'

I hope that in your deliberations today will cover all these aspects. With these words I wish the Forum all success.

Thank you.

External Affairs Minister's remarks at the launch of the 2nd India-China Media Forum, Beijing

 

[sorcerer]

External Affairs Minister's remarks at the launch of the 2nd India-China Media Forum, Beijing

February 01, 2015
Your Excellency, Mr. Jiang Jianguo, Director of the State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China.
Your Excellency, Vice Minister of the SCIO, Mr. Zhou Mingwei,
Your Excellency, Mr. Ashok Kantha, Ambassador of India to China,
Distinguished members of the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very happy to address this august gathering of eminent opinion makers of the two largest Asian societies here in Beijing today. At the outset, let me express my deep appreciation to H.E. Mr. Jiang Jianguo, Director of the State Council Information Office for the outstanding arrangements made for the second India-China Media Forum.

The Media Forum was envisaged as a platform to encourage appreciation and build understanding of each other's societies in our respective media. As our strategic and cooperative relationship deepens in the bilateral domain and expands in regional and international cooperation, it is vital that or people have a good understanding of each other's interests and viewpoints.

This is more so as the media in each country has its own national characteristic. I would, therefore, like to express my strong confidence that this second meeting of such an important forum would build further on the 2013 event and contribute to a stronger India-China media relationship.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, My visit to China takes place against the backdrop of a new Government in India that came into office after general elections last May. This is a Government with a decisive mandate propelled by the aspirations of a young, vibrant and enterprising generation. Even in the last eight months, it is already evident that drastic transformations are underway in my country that will accelerate our journey to modernity.

A number of key initiatives addressing a wide range of ambitious goals are unfolding. They provide new opportunities for cooperation insofar as our key international partners are concerned. Where China is concerned, this is very evident in the frequency of our high-level exchanges and the widening of our already substantive bilateral agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has three successful meetings with President Xi Jinping, the most important of course being during President Xi's visit to India last September. He has also has occasion to interact with Primier Li Keqiang.

I myself have had the privilege of engaging my counterpart Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who incidentally was the first Foreign Minister we invited to India after our assumption of office. We expect that the momentum that has been set in the last few months would not only be kept up but accelerated event further at various levels.

A critical change in nature of our bilateral ties over the last few decades has been its growing economic dimension. China is today our largest partner in trade in goods. The two economies are moving to invest each other. Serious discussions on enhancing connectivity have been initiated. On that foundation, we are now seeking to take our economic cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

The 'Closer Development Partnership' agreed upon during President Xi's visit symbolizes that determination. A particularly significant new area of collaboration is in railways. This includes heavy haulage, speed upgradation, station development and capacity building.

Another major thrust is in establishing industrial parks in two Indian states that would contribute to the 'Make in India' initiative. We will make it easier for Chinese companies to do business in India and expect that similar encouragement would be given to our companies to expand their business in China.

Important relationships with key neighbors require strong and broad-based support of the people in all countries. It is only logical, therefore, that we have invested our energies in strengthening people-to-people contacts. During this visit, I expect to take that area forward in many ways.

Tomorrow, we will be launching the '2015: Visit India Year' in China. Tourism is an effective vehicle to promote people-to-people understanding and our two Governments have agreed that we need to make stronger efforts in that regard. You are also aware that the India-China Cultural Exchange Initiative agrees on during President Xi's visit is currently underway.

Another recent development worth noting is the establishment of our first sister-province ties between Gujarat and Guangdong. But, what is of special resonance in my country is the understanding to open an additional route through Nathula for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Our relationship today has reached a level where we have interactions in fields that could not have been imagined some years ago. We have made considerable progress in establishing and expanding defence contacts and exchanges, including across our border. They contribute to the maintenance of peace and tranquility there, a pre-requisite for the further development of our relationship. On the boundary question, my Government is committed to exploring an early settlement.

Relations between India and China have grown beyond their bilateral and regional dimension and today cover the entire international spectrum. We are partners in G-20, BRICS and BASIC, among other groupings. During this visit, I will also be participating in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Russia-India-China group.

As both our countries play a larger international role, our contacts and dialogues must commensurately grow. As the two major civilizational powers of Asia we should have confidence in each other, to build on our shared interests. I expect discussions during this visit to contribute to this objective.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told President Xi in Fortaleza in July last year that India and China were two bodies with one spirit. During his visit to India later that September, President Xi alluded to the civilizational links nurtured by inspiring personalities and the far reaching influence of Buddhism.

Our two countries have age old ties. Ancient scholars of our cilvilzations have played critical role in building of these ties. Chinese monks Fa Hsien and Xuan Zang and many other braved many difficulties to travel to India in search of knowledge. Similarly, Indian monks Kashyap Matanga, Dharmaratna and many others travelled to China to spread knowledge.

It is important for us to revive the Xuan Zang spirit among Chinese scholars and journalists and Kumarjiva spirit among Indian scholars and journalists. This year we are celebrating as the Visit India Year in China. Next year will be the Visit China Year in India. This is the most appropriate opportunity to boost our ties.

To initiate a new century of mutual learning to enrich our respective civilisations and to realise the dream of and 'Asian Century', I would suggest a six-point template for us to build our relations on:

A. Action- oriented approach

B. Broad-base bilateral engagement

C. Convergence on common regional and global interests

D. Develop new areas of cooperation

E. Expand strategic communication

F. Fulfull common aspirations to usher 'Asian Century'

I hope that in your deliberations today will cover all these aspects. With these words I wish the Forum all success.

Thank you.

External Affairs Minister's remarks at the launch of the 2nd India-China Media Forum, Beijing

 

[sorcerer]

Chinese position is that the border dispute is confined to 2,000 kms mostly on Arunachal Pradesh whereas India asserts that the dispute covered the western side of the border spanning to about 4,000 km.

The two countries have held 17 rounds of Special Representative talks so far to resolve the boundary dispute. The issue also figured during talks between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi during his historic visit to India in September last year. The two leaders had agreed to make efforts to resolve the border dispute at the earliest.

Nothing much from it..
Back to square one once Sushma Swaraj is back in India.
India committed to 'early settlement' of boundary issue with China, says Sushma Swaraj

 

[Dharmateja]

Great game.. hope Modi reads Chinese well and Chinese are smart enough to understand that commitment is important than cat-mouse chase.

 

[Dharmateja]

Nothing much from it..
Back to square one once Sushma Swaraj is back in India.
India committed to 'early settlement' of boundary issue with China, says Sushma Swaraj

The border issue won't be solved until Chinese accept the reality that neither India nor themselves will relinquish such a large amount of land, without bloodshed. Once the CPC gives up it pointless territorial ambitions, China's stature will become bigger than US's. You can't become a superpower surrounded by powerful enemies. These talks won't go anywhere until Chinis come to their senses.

 

[Free Karma]

Sushma sets stage for Modi's China visit in May - The Hindu

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has set the stage for an "outcome-driven" visit to China by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, softening the ground for a substantive boundary dialogue, and accelerating the pace for Chinese investments to India.

Exact dates of the Prime Ministerial visit have not been fixed, but Mr. Modi will arrive in China before May 26, the date when the government completes one year in office.

In an interaction with the media after marathon talks with her counterpart, Wang Yi, Ms. Swaraj said the Chinese side endorsed the Indian perception that differences between the two countries on the alignment of their territorial boundaries would not be handed over to the next generation. She acknowledged that the leadership in both countries had the "political will to think out of the box" to find a solution to the problem that had triggered the 1962 war.

During talks, both sides concluded the "exchange of notes" on the new alternative route for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim. The journey time from the Nathu La pass will be reduced to 12 days, compared to the 22 days it takes through the Lipu Lekh pass in Uttarakhand.

 

[amoy]

Welcome to China, Miss Swaraj and Indian pilgrims.

Kunming becomes first destination of Sushma's China visit

Significantly Ms. Swaraj routed her journey to the Chinese capital through Kunming — one of the starting points of the 21 st century Maritime Silk Road (MSR) — a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping. China has invited India to join the MSR, but New Delhi has so far, refrained from making a firm commitment. Starting from Kolkata, Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is also the point of termination of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor — a part of the MSR, which the Indian side is negotiating with the Chinese. However, India has become a staunch supporter of the China-initiated, Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, which is also likely to be used for funding MSR projects.

Kunming is where the Myanmar oil and gas pipelines get merged in the Chinese network.

Mandarins are generally very confident of China's strength and pragmatic in maintaining the peace and tranquility btwn the 2 countries. Our expectations are well managed over Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor, or Maritime Silk Road prospects with India.

 

[sorcerer]

RUSSIA-CHINA-INDIA: A NEW CENTER OF POWER
On the 2nd of February, in Beijing, Foreign Ministers of Russia, China and India have agreed to discuss a common agenda of cooperation in the year 2015.

In order to give an adequate response to the new challenges, the Foreign Ministers - Sergei Lavrov, Wang and Sushma Swaraj will have to raise the bars of tripartite consultations to a new level, consider experts. The talk may be of a formation of a global "triangle of forces" in the next few years.

A meeting of ministers in this format happens once in a year. The talks in Beijing mark an anniversary. This mechanism was founded in 2005 in Vladivostok and since then has been exceptionally dynamic. Coordination of a common stand taken by the three countries on global issues and "hot spots" has made other centers of power to pay careful attention to the opinion of China, India and Russia.

On the eve of this meeting of foreign ministers in Beijing, Russia, China and India, a new operational agenda of geopolitical risks is being formed. This concerns the situation around the "Islamic State", Afghanistan and Syria. This includes reaction to a likely change in the development of the conflict in South-East Ukraine. This is a reaction to possible changes of the sanctions regime, including their tightening or extension, with regards to Russia. In addition, a huge agenda on global challenges is being discussed. Russia, China and India should have, at the least, a draft of their own responses to all these questions and Nikita Maslennikov, Advisor at the Institute of Contemporary Development is convinced of this fact:

"Our Minister Sergei Lavrov has concrete points to negotiate with his colleagues. This concerns not only a short-lived format, but also in the future perspective, not only for this year, but to chalk out a consistent, coherent and a medium-term agenda. In general, expectations from consultations and meetings in Beijing can be narrowed down to the fact that the economic potential, economic power, which has been achieved by these three countries, of course, requires some kind of new plan. That is creation of some kind of organization, which is more pronounced and offers a more colorful representation in global foreign politics. For all these mentioned reasons, the meeting on February 2 may be a symbol one."

Russia, China and India, according to most experts, are the locomotives of the BRICS. A similar leading role in the SCO is being played by Russia and China. India, this issue has been resolved at the highest political level and only requires organizational go-aheads, is scheduled to become a member of the SCO this summer. According to Alexei Martynov, director of the International Institute of the newest states, the triangle of Moscow-Beijing-New Delhi, which is already 10 years old, is getting transformed into a powerful force of the multi-polar world:

"Of course, the format that is being created by Russia, India and China, has all chances to become a new one and has a perspective to become one of the main poles of a multi-polar world. In this sense, the meeting of foreign ministers in Beijing is a positive step towards this direction. Each of these three countries wants to make it clear to the United States that the existence of a uni-polar world is history. And attempts to dominate the world in bilateral relations will not give results. And it is an equally hopeless effort to find, say, the support of India, to oppose Russia and China, or China to oppose Russia. In this sense, the ministers' meeting in Beijing, I believe, should send a new signal to the United States that the format of Russia-China-India is a geopolitical reality to be reckoned with."

According to Dmitry Abzalov, president of the Center for Strategic Communications, today, one can say that the current trend is leading to a formation of the G3:

"These three countries may represent a new center of power, which is concentrated in the South and East Asia, a new eastern vector in global politics. And this is despite the fact that the US policy in Asia is being shaped on the very contradictions existing between India and China. At the same time, both countries are in a very difficult relationship with key partners of Washington. We are talking of Pakistan in the case of India, and Japan in the case of China. But Moscow can be a very good negotiator and partner in seriously strengthening the position of the three eastern states. It is quite possible that in the near future, it will be the G3 format that will become a replacement or a shorter version of the G20."

In Beijing, bilateral meetings between foreign ministers of Russia, China and India are also scheduled to take place. In particular, negotiations between Sushma Swaraj, who for the first time is expected to visit China as a minister, and her colleague Wang, are expected to consolidate the positive trend in bilateral relations which was set during the visit of President Xi Jinping to India in September last year.

RUSSIA-CHINA-INDIA: A NEW CENTER OF POWER - News - Society - Russian Radio

 

[amoy]

Nothing would come out of this Swaraj visit more than diplomatic parlance as usual.

India may have felt empowered by Obama. But in fact it's of no significance in the equation, nor is it a part of the new power centre!

On the side of China, never shall there be any illusions - China Tests Multipurpose Helicopter in Tibetan Plateau (Z-8 )

According to China Military Online China recently tested it on the Tibetan plateau at an altitude of 8000 meters.

The report said that the Z-18A helicopter is meant to transport the AH-4 155 mm light artillery system developed by the China North Industries Corporation which weighs around 4 tons.

 

[sorcerer]

China on Wednesday said it attaches "great importance" to external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's visit here this week

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping has made an exception by agreeing to meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday. The Chinese President rarely meets foreign ministers and will break the protocol by meeting Swaraj.ibnlive.in.com/news/breaking-protocol-chinese-president-xi-jinping-to-meet-sushma-swaraj-during-her-china-visit/526107-3.html

Well!! seems like China is giving more importance to please India .[ The desperate move from Xi from a cadre party shows that]

Anyway, the joint statement between the "New Power Center" is here.

Joint Communiqué of the 13th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China

February 02, 2015

• The Foreign Ministers of the Russians Federation, the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China held their 13th Meeting in Beijing, China, on 2 February 2015.
  
• The Ministers agreed that Russia, India and China (RIC), as countries with important influence at international and regional levels and emerging market economies, need to further strengthen coordination on global issues and practical cooperation, in the spirit of openness, solidarity, mutual understanding and trust. They emphasized that cooperation between their countries is conducive to maintaining international and regional peace and stability and promoting global economic growth and prosperity.
  
• The Ministers reviewed progress in their practical cooperation since the New Delhi meeting on 10 November 2013. They agreed that Russia, India and China should enhance their cooperation in think-tanks, business, agriculture, disaster mitigation and relief, medical services and public health. The Ministers explored potential for cooperation in oil and natural gas production and transportation, as well as in other fields of energy, high tech, environmental protection and connectivity. They agreed to promote parliamentary, media, cultural and youth exchanges including visits of young diplomats. They expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the 13th Trilateral Academic Conference held in Moscow in July 2014, and welcomed the 14th Trilateral Academic Conference to be held in China in May 2015.
  
• The Ministers noted the significant and rapid changes underway in the world and underlined that the international community should remain committed to democratization of international relations and multi-polarity. They stressed the importance of pursuing a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation. Russia, India and China are determined to build a more just, fair and stable international political and economic order in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence and other basic norms of international law. The Ministers stressed the need to respect diversity of civilizations and the independent choice of development path and social system by the people of all countries, support peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means. They expressed their support to the idea of adopting a UN General Assembly resolution on the inadmissibility of intervention and interference in the internal affairs of states. They opposed forced regime change in any country from the outside, or imposition of unilateral sanctions based on domestic laws.
  
• The Ministers recognized that the year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory in the Second World War, and paid tribute to all those who fought against Fascism and for freedom. Russia, India and China affirmed the need to solemnly commemorate those historic moments of great significance in human history and their commitment to safeguarding a fair and equitable international order based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, preventing war and conflict and promoting the progress and development of mankind. The Ministers welcomed the inclusion of the item of "Seventieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War" in the agenda of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, and supported the United Nations and member states to initiate and organize commemorative events.
  
• The Ministers reiterated their strong commitment to the United Nations as a universal multilateral organization entrusted with the mandate of helping the world community maintain international peace and security, advance common development and promote and protect human rights. The United Nations enjoys universal membership and is at the very center of global governance and multilateralism. The Ministers recalled the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document. They reaffirmed the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative and efficient, so that it could better respond to global challenges. Foreign Ministers of China and Russia reiterated the importance they attached to the status of India in international affairs and supported its aspiration to play a greater role in the United Nations.
  
• The Ministers reiterated their commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation in a joint effort to maintain lasting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, welcomed the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the Shanghai Declaration adopted at the Summit. The Ministers pledged to work together to seek common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. They called for the development of an open, inclusive, indivisible and transparent security and cooperation architecture in the region on the basis of universally recognized principles of international law. In this regard, they welcomed the continued discussion on regional security architecture in the Asia-Pacific region under the framework of the East Asia Summit.
  
• The Ministers further underlined the necessity to strengthen coordination and cooperation in various regional forums and organizations such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), so as to contribute to maintaining regional peace and stability and to promote regional development and prosperity. In this connection, they agreed to establish a trilateral Russia-India-China consultation mechanism on Asia-Pacific affairs, with the first meeting to be held at an early date.
  
• Russia, India and China attached special importance to their cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), regarding it as one of the key instruments in promoting multilateral political, security, economic and humanitarian interaction in the region. China and India shared the plans of Russia's Chairmanship in the SCO in 2014-2015 and would support and participate comprehensively in preparing the SCO Summit Meeting in Ufa in July 2015. China and Russia welcomed India's application for full membership of SCO and supported India to join the SCO after completing all necessary negotiations and legal processes.
  
• The Ministers reiterated that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomever, wherever, and for whatever purposes, is a threat to international peace and security, a grave violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. The Ministers affirmed the need for all countries to join efforts in combating terrorism under the auspices of the United Nations, in accordance with the UN Charter and principles and norms of international law and for the robust implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They called for early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. The Ministers reiterated that there can be no ideological, religious, political, racial, ethnic, or any other justification for acts of terrorism. They underlined the need to bring to justice perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of terrorist acts. Highly alarmed by the new trends in international terrorist acts, the Ministers emphasized the need to step up information gathering and sharing, prevent the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) for the purposes of recruitment and incitement to commit terrorist acts, as well as for the financing, planning and preparation of their activities, block the channels of terrorist movement and financing of terrorism, and promote de-radicalization, while respecting international law.
  
• The Ministers were of the view that the international community should make joint efforts to counter the threat of the use of information and communication technologies for military, political, criminal and terrorist purposes through international exchanges and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and build a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative information space. They underscored that sovereignty of a state over the Internet and state conduct of ICT-related activities should be respected. They expressed their support for formulation of universally recognized international rules of responsible state behavior in information space within the UN framework and advancement of the reform of the international Internet governance mechanism as enshrined in the Tunis Agenda. In this regard, the Ministers reaffirmed common views and approaches set forth in the 6th BRICS - Fortaleza Declaration (15 July 2014 ).
  
• The Ministers noted that preventing arms race in outer space is in the interests of maintaining international peace and security and for the promotion and strengthening of international cooperation in the exploration and the use of outer space for peaceful purposes, highlighting the prevention of placement of weapons of any kind in outer space as one of its main elements. The Ministers also noted the importance of establishing and developing a more focused dialogue and closer cooperative relationship among representatives of Russia, India and China with a view to advance the work of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS).
  
• The Ministers supported the political transition in Afghanistan through the presidential elections and security transition from International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The security transition should be accompanied by adequate measures for increasing the ANSF capacity so that the ANSF should be capable to provide security for all the country and population of Afghanistan. The Ministers affirmed their support for broad and inclusive peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan that is Afghan-led and Afghan-owned, as well as to help Afghanistan's integration into the region through its expanded trade and transport networks and regional connectivity. The Ministers stressed that it is important for the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan and fulfill its long-term commitments on civilian and security assistance. They supported the core coordinating role of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. The Ministers highly valued the positive results of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Istanbul Process in Beijing, which contributed to strengthen regional cooperation and facilitate peace, rehabilitation and economic reconstruction in Afghanistan. Russia, India and China stressed their commitment to implementing the Beijing Declaration for security and prosperity in Afghanistan and the region.
  
• The Ministers affirmed their support for efforts to seek a comprehensive and long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means. They welcomed the extension of negotiations between P5+1 and Iran, and hoped that the two sides intensify diplomatic efforts with a view to reaching a comprehensive agreement at an early date. The Ministers encouraged Iran and the IAEA to enhance cooperation to resolve all the outstanding issues. The Ministers stressed that once the IAEA confirms the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme by means of applying stringent monitoring and resolving all past and present issues of concern, Iran will fully enjoy all the rights to peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment under strict IAEA safeguards and consistent with its international obligations.
  
• The Ministers discussed the developments of the Israel-Palestine conflict. They stressed that its further deterioration may have a negative impact on the prospects of both the Peace Process and Middle East affairs on the whole. They urged Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint and take effective measures to avoid further escalation of tensions. The Ministers supported the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict based on the relevant United Nations resolutions, the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative, with the purpose of establishing a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side, at peace with Israel. They appealed to the international community, particularly the Middle East Quartet, to continue its efforts aimed at achieving this end. The Ministers supported the UN Security Council in playing its due role in solving the Israel-Palestine conflict. The Ministers urged international community to provide continued assistance and support for alleviation of humanitarian situation in Palestine.
  
• The Ministers discussed the latest developments in Syria. They reiterated that there is no military solution to the Syrian crisis and urged all parties to abjure violence and resume peace negotiations based on "Geneva Communiqué" of June 2012. The Ministers called on the Syrian government and opposition factions to resume the Geneva process as soon as possible, stick to the approach of political settlement and draw on the useful experience of others to find a "middle way" that conforms to Syria's national conditions and accommodates the interests of all parties, and start the national reconciliation process at an early date. The Ministers supported the mediation efforts by the UN Secretary-General and his special envoy to secure "incremental freeze zones" and to allow humanitarian aid to civilians. They highly valued the efforts by Russia to convene the first meeting of inter-Syrian consultations between representatives of the Syrian Government and opposition groups in January 2015. The Ministers welcomed the important achievements made in the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons, and complimented the Organizations for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in its efforts towards elimination and destruction of chemical weapons in Syria. They expressed support for the efforts of the Syrian Government to combat terrorism. They called on all parties in Syria to implement relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, and fully cooperate with the United Nations and relevant international organizations in their humanitarian efforts. They called on the international community to abide by the guiding principles of the United Nations on humanitarian assistance.
  
• The Ministers expressed deep concern over the ongoing turmoil in Iraq and its spillover effects, and emphasized their respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, and their support for the efforts of the Iraqi government to uphold domestic stability and combat terrorism. They hoped that all parties in Iraq enhance unity and reconciliation so as to swiftly restore national stability and social order. The Ministers urged all parties concerned to refrain from interference, which could further aggravate the situation. They called on all parties to support the Iraqi government and people in their efforts to build a stable, inclusive and united Iraq taking into account the interests of all segments of the Iraqi society. The Ministers urged the international community to provide continued assistance and humanitarian support for Iraqi refugees and internally displaced people.
  
• The Ministers expressed deep concern about the current crisis in Ukraine, and called on all parties in the inter-Ukraine conflict to exercise restraint and fully implement the Minsk Protocol, engage in comprehensive dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution of the crisis through political negotiations. The Ministers stressed that an independent, objective, fair and transparent international investigation should be carried out for the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and parties concerned should engage in cooperation within the framework of Resolution 2166 of the UN Security Council.
  
• The Ministers expressed their support for improved global economic governance to ensure sound and stable growth of the world economy. They called for immediate reform of the international financial system to increase the voice and representation of emerging markets and developing countries, with a focus on the implementation of the 2010 IMF Quota and Governance Reform by the end of this year. They stressed the need for international financial institutions to provide more resources to promote development. The Ministers reiterated their commitments to enhancing cooperation within the framework of G20, and called on all G20 members to strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, reject protectionism as well as all forms of unilateral measures of economic pressure taken without relevant decisions of the UN Security Council, safeguard the multilateral trading system centered around the WTO, build an open world economy, and play an important role in global economic governance. Russia and India welcome and support the efforts of China to host the 2016 G20 Summit. The Ministers reiterate their readiness to contribute to its successful results.
  
• The Ministers reaffirmed commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the preeminent global forum for trade, including negotiating and implementing trade rules, settling trade disputes and supporting development through the integration of developing countries into the global trading system. In this regard, they reaffirmed commitment to the Doha Development Agenda as well as to the regular work of the WTO. The Ministers expressed their support for the forthcoming WTO 10th Ministerial Conference to be held in Nairobi, Kenya in December 2015. They underlined the importance of tangible progress at the Conference toward a successful conclusion of the WTO Doha Round.
  
• The Ministers noted that the emerging market economies are a significant driving force for the world economic growth and have played an important role in promoting the world economic recovery. The Ministers fully recognized the significance of the UN Summit for the adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda to be held in September 2015. They called on the international community to accelerate their efforts towards attainment of the MDGs and formulate the Post-2015 Development Agenda under the principles of equity, democracy, transparency, member states driven and consensus. The Post-2015 Development Agenda, while focusing on poverty eradication and promotion of common development, should attach great importance to addressing the inequality and disparity between the North and the South and build a renewed global development partnership of win-win cooperation. The Ministers pledged to strengthen coordination and cooperation in the inter-governmental negotiating process.
  
• The Ministers called on the international community to actively implement the follow-up process of the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in accordance with the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities". They welcomed the adoption by the UN General Assembly of the proposal of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals as the main basis for integrating the SDGs into the Post-2015 Development Agenda. They held the view that in promoting sustainable development, the international community should fully respect the national conditions and development paths of different countries, and focus on helping developing countries solve the problems of financing, technology and capacity building and achieve common development.
  
• The Ministers reiterated the importance attached by the three countries to the issue of climate change, and expressed their readiness to work together to further strengthen international cooperation to address climate change and its adverse effect. The Ministers welcomed the adoption of the "Lima Call for Climate Action" by the 20th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP20). They expressed confidence that the 21st session of UNFCCC to be held in 2015 will be able to adopt a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all parties, in accordance with the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
  
• The Ministers noted that collectively BRICS economies have consolidated their position as the main engines for sustaining the pace of the international economy as it recovers from the recent economic and financial global crisis. Emerging market economies and developing countries continue to contribute significantly to global growth and will do so in the years to come.
  
• The Ministers welcomed the successful conclusion of the 6th BRICS Summit, particularly the signing of the Agreement on the New Development Bank and the Treaty for the Establishment of a BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement. They agreed to build a closer economic partnership in keeping with the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation to facilitate the market inter-linkages, financial integration, infrastructure connectivity as well as people-to-people contacts, cultural and educational exchanges among BRICS countries. The Ministers welcomed the decision taken by the Fortaleza Summit on opening negotiations on the Draft Strategy of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Framework of BRICS Closer Economic Partnership. China and India expressed their full support to Russia for a successful 7th summit of the BRICS leaders in July 2015.
  
• The Ministers highly valued the fruitful achievements of the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, including launching the process of Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), promoting innovative development, economic reform and growth and enhancing connectivity of the Asia-Pacific. They commended China's efforts in making the conference a full success and deemed that the Meeting is of great significance in achieving long-term development and common prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. Acknowledging India's important role in driving global economic growth, and supporting the openness of APEC, China and Russia would welcome India's participation in APEC.
  
• The Ministers stressed the importance of regional connectivities, which will inject strong impetus in enhancing political mutual trust, economic cooperation, and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges. In this context, they discussed initiatives, including China's initiatives of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. They welcomed synergy of various initiatives to improve regional connectivity in Asia. They emphasized the necessity to explore all connectivity options for greater economic integration of the common region and stressed that the three countries will closely coordinate and work together to ensure that various initiatives bear fruit and benefit all countries and people in the region.
  
• The Ministers expressed their deep concern over the spread of the Ebola virus in some African countries and the damage it caused to the health and safety of the local people. They decided to continue to work hand in hand in helping the African countries curb and prevent the spread of the Ebola. They supported the leading and coordinating role of the United Nations and the World Health Organization in combating the disease. The Ministers called on the international community, with a long-term prospective to help African countries strengthen their public health system and capacity building.
  
• The Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation and the External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India extended their warm appreciation and sincere gratitude to the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China for hosting and making excellent arrangements for the meeting in Beijing.
  
• The Ministers decided to hold the next trilateral meeting in Russia in the second half of 2015.
  

Joint Communiqué of the 13th Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China

 

[Ray]

China calling: Modi's slated Beijing visit should cast aside baggage and script a new chapter in bilateral ties

Following US President Barack Obama's much-touted Republic Day visit, foreign minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to China — to prepare for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected trip in May — has produced some positive signals. The Modi-Obama engagement was noted and commented upon cautiously by Beijing. Now there seems to be a desire on the part of both New Delhi and Beijing to take their own bilateral ties to new heights with the understanding that Modi's visit must deliver substantial agreements. To get the atmospherics right, Chinese President Xi Jinping even broke protocol and met Swaraj while the latter emphasised New Delhi's readiness to explore out-of-box solutions to the border dispute.

There's no denying that huge scope for synergy exists between the two sides. However, the Nehruvian legacy and the debacle of 1962 continue to loom over the India-China dynamic. This is precisely what held back the previous UPA dispensation from creatively engaging China. Bereft of such baggage, the Modi government need not be hamstrung by such considerations. In this spirit, New Delhi must drop its adherence to the McMahon Line and settle the border broadly along the current Line of Actual Control. Such a solution will remove a major irritant and impart momentum in other areas of the bilateral engagement.

Reducing differences and striking pacts on other issues to mitigate the trust deficit is also a good idea. It's welcome that the two sides have reached an agreement on opening an additional route to Mansarovar in Tibet. Similarly, New Delhi would do well to adopt a calibrated approach to China's Silk Road Economic Belt initiative to boost trade and connectivity. Chinese expertise in building infrastructure would certainly help India while inflow of Chinese investments can counter the yawning trade deficit. Beijing too should facilitate better Indian access to Chinese markets, especially in segments such as IT and pharmaceuticals.

To aid better understanding there's an urgent need to bridge the serious information deficit between people of the two countries. Despite ancient cultural linkages, we know very little about each other. In this regard, Swaraj's launch of India's diplomacy magazine 'India Perspectives' in Mandarin is a small step that needs to be backed by greater people-to-people exchanges and two-way tourism. Home to almost a third of humanity, cooperation between India and China can galvanise the region and propel the common dream of an Asian century.
This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.

Times Of India | Blogs

While there is no doubt that one should veer off from being the legatee of Nehru and his policies, yet is India ready to condone the follies of Nehru and embrace a new chapter and forsake the territories captured by China in 1962.

Pragmatism suggests such an action so that a new era can dawn.

What will be the strategic implication if India accept the LAC as the IB?

But then can China be trusted that it will not create some other hassle in the not too far in the future? Her hegemonic hunger is legend around the Asian sphere.

Even if this issue is left to the 'future generations' as the Chinese want, what should India do about the other issues raised?