Interview: Indian president looks forward to stronger developmental partnership with China

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed hope that his forthcoming state visit to China would push forward a stronger developmental partnership with China.

In an interview with Delhi-based Chinese journalists on the eve of his trip to China, Mukherjee said he expects to exchange views on all aspects of India-China ties with the leadership of China.

"I will also share our ideas on how both sides can anchor our ties in a people-centric partnership. I firmly believe that it is essential for the peoples of both countries to walk together on the world state in order to make this century truly Asian Century," Mukherjee told Xinhua correspondents here.

Mukherjee will kick off a four-day state visit to China on May 24 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

He said as China is one of the most important partners of India, New Delhi accords high priority to the bilateral relations and is committed to intensifying engagement with Beijing.

"We wish to have a strong partnership with China based on mutual trust and friendship, and sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspirations," he said.

The president said that in the past decades, India and China have witnessed "unprecedented expansion and diversification of bilateral relationship".

"Our Closer Development Partnership is broad-based and covers the political, security, economic, educational and cultural fields. Both countries have established a range of mechanisms in all areas of cooperation," he said.

He said the sharing of relevant developmental experiences is an important aspect of ties between the two countries, which have also regularly exchanged views on regional, global and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

"I am confident that my visit will add further depth to our partnership and open new opportunities for cooperation in a wider number of fields," he said.

On the cooperation between two countries in financial and economic development, Mukherjee said India's role and partnership in the process of bringing into existence the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank displays its "commitment in strengthening the global financial architecture to foster enhanced regional cooperation, sustain growth, promote economic and social development in the region".

On the boundary issue, the president said India seeks a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the question."

"Pending the boundary settlement, we seek to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. Both sides should strive to ensure that the outstanding issues are addressed in a manner that demonstrates mutual sensitivity to each other's concerns, interests and aspiration," he said.

"Only in this manner can we ensure that these differences will not come in the way of continuing development of bilateral relations. We should enhance our mutual trust and understanding through stepped up dialogue on political security and strategic issues," he added.

Mukherjee said that culture is the bedrock on which the historical relations between India and China have flourished and its promotion will nourish people-to-people friendship between the two sides.

"Our shared civilizational past and our common Asian identity was the basis for both countries to develop together and live in friendship in pursuit to make the 21st century an Asian Century," he said.

On China's "One Belt and One Road" initiative, Mukherjee said building connectivity is an important aspect of India's development, and connectivity can benefit the people and impart a fresh momentum to regional development.

"A better connected Asia requires that all concerned countries consult together on determining the best way forward. Such cooperation should be governed by commonly agreed international norms and practices and should reflect the interests of all concerned parties," he said. Endit