New Delhi
23 December 2009
India's relationship with China is not dependent on the Communist country's
ties with third countries, Minister of External Affairs SM Krishna said, in an oblique
reference to the 'all-weather' friendship between Beijing and Islamabad.
"Our (India-China) relationship is totally on a different pedestal," he told reporters here
Wednesday on the sidelines of the inauguration of an exhibition of Chinese paintings
and calligraphy.
The minister was asked for his views on the sale of Chinese submarines and warships
to Pakistan, and the possibility of an arms race in South Asia.
In reply to another question, Mr Krishna said that there was no denying that there were
some "concerns" about China. But, he hastened to add, the concerns could be resolved
through dialogue. He also said that both sides were making efforts to improve their
bilateral ties.
Earlier, in his address to the gathering, Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan said
that India and China should approach their relationship from a strategic and long-term
perspective. He underlined the need for building mutual trust, and felt that improving
cultural ties was one way of moving towards a win-win situation.
In his opening remarks, Mr Krishna said that 2010 will mark the 60th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. Both countries are
planning commemorative activities including the Festival of India in China and Festival
of China in India.
"Talking about our overall bilateral relationship, I am very happy to see the tremendous
progress being made. Leaders of both countries continue to have frequent contacts and
our trade and economic relations also have seen rapid development.
"The bilateral trade crossed 50 billion dollars last year and China has become one of
India's largest trading partners. I am very optimistic about the future of our
relationship[,]" Mr Krishna said.
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