Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed hope that his visit to China will not only “deepen Sino-Indian relations further” but also set a new milestone for Asia and developing countries. “I am looking forward to the trip to China... The 21st Century belongs to Asia. I believe that my trip to China will not only deepen China-India friendship, but also set a new milestone for the relations between developing countries in Asia as well as around the world. There is no doubt about that,” he told China’s State-run CCTV. He added that India and China have made great progress in bilateral relations in recent years and managed their differences with patience and maturity.
later, the PM tweeted about his interaction with the Chinese media. “Interacted with the Chinese media, where I highlighted the strong potential of India-China ties,” Modi tweeted. “I talked about our shared responsibility to help developing nations, especially in poverty eradication,” he added. In another tweet, he said, “Asia, being the land of Buddha, has the responsibility to ensure that this century is free from war.”
Modi mentioned that he had met Chinese President Xi Jinping three times during the last one year and held extensive talks on a wide range of issues. However in Beijing, China played down expectations of any breakthrough in resolving the boundary dispute, saying though it will come up during the bilateral talks, it cannot be resolved overnight.
“We are looking forward to the visit. The boundary question is an issue of common concern and will be covered in the discussions. Both sides are willing to resolve the boundary dispute at an early date and we have made great efforts to that end,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in Beijing.
India and China will ink agreements on enhancing cooperation in the tourism and healthcare sectors during Modi’s visit. The agreements were cleared by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday. The main objective of the agreement on tourism is to exchange information and encourage cooperation between stakeholders including hotels and tour operators. Efforts will be made to attract investment in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Sources in Tourism Ministry also said India may announce e-visa facility to the Chinese tourists during Modi’s visit. The Ministry has already sent a note to the Government, recommending extending the e-visa facility to Chinese tourists. The Union Cabinet also approved extension of tenure of the pact signed between India and the China State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SATCM) on Cooperation in Traditional Medicine. The MoU had expired on January 13, 2013 on completion of its validity period of five years from January 14, 2008.