Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said India and China should show sensitivity to each other's interests and sovereignty and move quickly to resolve the boundary issue. Addressing Communist Party Central School in Beijing today, he outlined seven principles of engagement for closer cooperation between the two countries. He said, old theories of alliances and containment are no longer relevant. In his seven principles of engagement, Dr Singh called for reaffirming unwavering commitment to the principles of Panchsheel and conduct the bilateral relationship in a spirit of mutual respect and equal security. He said, India has welcomed President Xi Jinping's concept of a new type of great power relations.
The Prime Minister who left back home this afternoon after a two-nation visit said, maintaining peace and tranquillity in the India-China border region has been the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.
Dr. Singh spelt out a six-point roadmap of areas offering cooperation between the two countries and invited Chinese investment in Indian plans. India needs FDI of one trillion dollars in infrastructure in the next five years. He also highlighted eight specific areas for cooperation between the two neighbours. These areas are expansion and modernization of infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, manufacturing and services, energy security, climate change and terrorism. Dr. Singh also said, maritime security in the Pacific and Indian Oceans is vital for Indian and Chinese economies.
Our Correspondent reports that the Prime Minister was received with a standing ovation and his speech on India, China – A New Era was given a huge round of applause by the audience.Our correspondent reports that the Prime Minister is leaving for New Delhi this evening after a successful visit of China which witnessed signing of nine agreements, including two most important ones relating to border defence cooperation and management of trans-border rivers. Today Dr. Manmohan Singh had the privilege of addressing future leaders of Communist Party of China at the party's Central School in Beijing. In his speech as well as during the question-answer session, he repeatedly stressed on maintenance of peace and tranquility on the borders on which India-China relations can progress further. He said, India and China are not rivals but partners in progress. The Prime Minister also said there is enough space in the world for the two countries to pursue their aspirations without affecting the other adversely.
