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 the Communist Party Central School in Bejing 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 conducting the bilatereral 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 said, maintaining peace and tranquillity in the India-China border region has been the cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The Prime Minister also 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 just as peace and stability in West Asia and Gulf are essential for energy security.

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.