The Hindu Business Line : India, China to promote civilian N-power ties

Towards understanding
China supports India’s aspiration for greater UN role.
The two target bilateral trade of $60 b by 2010.
Ten other bilateral documents also signed.

Pallavi Aiyar

Beijing, Jan. 14 Bilateral co-operation in civilian nuclear energy, Chinese support for India’s desire to play a greater role in the United National Security Council, and the possibility of commencing discussions on a Regional Trade Agreement, all found place in a joint document signed by the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and Chinese Premier, Mr Wen Jiabao, on Monday evening.

The document, titled ‘A Shared Vision for the 21st Century’, did not, however, indicate any breakthrough on the boundary dispute. There was, instead, a reiteration of the official position of both sides to seek a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution” on the basis of the political parameters announced in 2005.

Moving beyond the statement on nuclear co-operation made in the joint declaration issued during the visit by the Chinese President, Mr Hu Jintao, to New Delhi in November 2006, the ‘Shared Vision’ states that “the two sides pledge to promote bilateral co-operation in civil nuclear energy, consistent with their respective international commitments, which will contribute to energy security and to dealing with risks associated with climate change.”

Briefing reporters on the statement, the Foreign Secretary, Mr Shiv Shankar Menon, said that it showed the “clear expression of the will to co-operate in this (civilian nuclear energy) area.”

The joint statement also mentioned for the first time that “The Chinese side understands and supports India’s aspirations to play a greater role in the United Nations, including the Security Council.” Dr Singh described his talks with Mr Wen as “constructive and forward looking.” The vision document also stressed that “India-China relations are not targeted at any country, nor will it affect their friendship with other countries.”

On trade, the two sides announced a new bilateral target of $60 billion by 2010. The document also revealed that the report of the Joint Feasibility Study on a potential Regional Trade Agreement had concluded, and an India-China RTA would be “mutually advantageous”.

Ten other bilateral documents were also signed, including agreements in railways, housing, geo-sciences, traditional medicine, agriculture and exports of Indian tobacco to China.