More consistency than difference on India's policy towards

Asserting that he follows the policy of the government of the day whether as a minister or as a diplomat, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Thursday said in Rajya Sabha that there is "more consistency than difference" in India's policy towards neighbouring China.

The diplomat-turned minister was replying during the Question Hour to a query by Congress leader Ambika Soni on whether his views on China have changed after becoming a foreign minister.

"Whether as a minister or as a diplomat, you follow the policy of the government of the day. Where our policy to China is concerned, honestly I see more consistency than difference. I think it is India's endeavour to engage China," Jaishankar said in the Upper House.

Jaishankar was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.

Noting that China is India's largest neighbour, the minister said, "Between us, our ability to get along will determine the Asian century. I have always believed both as a diplomat and today as External Affairs Minister that India- China relations are critical for both countries."
To her another query on whether the government has initiated dialogue to enhance relations between armies of both the countries, the minister said, "We have a number of dialogues with China including the prime minister himself engaging with the President of China at an informal summit. I have a dialogue with my counterpart which takes place every year."