Dialogue with China should continue despite NSG setback: Shivraj Singh Chauhan

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said dialogue with China should continue to boost economic ties despite its strong opposition to India's bid to clinch membership of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"Dialogue with China should continue. Both countries have their own national interest," Chouhan told reporters in Bhopal after returning from his six-day visit to China.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made all out efforts to get entry in the NSG. Unfortunately, India couldn't become member of NSG," he said.

Chouhan said that during his visit to China, he felt the Chinese were keen to strengthen ties with India because of business opportunities.

"We and the Chinese government work akin in social sector — like uplift of poor," he added.

Describing his China visit as fruitful, Chouhan said that Chinese investors showed interest in Madhya Pradesh after learning that it was on the path of development.

He said that Sany Group of China is looking forward to invest $1 billion in the state, including for a 500 MW wind energy project and industrial infrastructure building.

India recently failed in its determined bid to clinch the elite NSG membership in the face of strong China-led opposition. In a clear setback to its efforts to join the 48-nation grouping, a two-day NSG plenary ended on Friday in Seoul after deciding against accepting India's membership application.