Sushma proposes six-point template for closer India-China ties

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is on a three-day visit to China, on Sunday proposed a six-point template for India and China to build their relations upon and to realise the dream of an 'Asian Century'.

Sushma suggested an 'action- oriented approach, broad-base bilateral engagement, convergence on common regional and global interests, develop new areas of cooperation, expand strategic communication and fulfill common aspirations'.

The External Affairs Minister, who is accompanied on the trip by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, said India would make it easier for Chinese companies to do business in the country and expect that similar encouragement would be given to Indian companies to expand their business in China.

"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," Sushma said at the launch of the second India-China Media Forum.

"On the boundary question, my Government is committed to exploring an early settlement," she added.

Sushma also pointed out that her visit was taking place against the backdrop of a new government that came to power after a decisive mandate.

"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," she stated.

The External Affairs Minister will also participate in the 13th Foreign Ministers' meeting of Russia-India-China trilateral, and will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the meeting.