India and China- A hope for the future

VIVEK IYER, China Daily Mail   The India–China relationship has always been troubled, but the visuals of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China were certainly heartwarming. President Xi returned Mr Modi’s gesture of breaking the protocol to receive him.

That aside, 24 deals were signed between the sides. The visit did turn out to be ‘successful’ considering the fact that deals worth 22 billion were signed, but headways were neither made on the border issue nor on the stapled visa issue.

Though it feels like both the nations are ready to move ahead and build a new partnership, there is little doubt that the distrust and the animosity between the sides still exist.

Both India and China need to leave behind the memories of the 1962 war and move forward with renewed commitment. This could happen only if both the nations work on improving mutual trust; which has taken a beating due to speculations of China investing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (A region India claims to be its own).

Then, there are the transgressions across the border and the disputes. The concerns to be addressed between the two nations are innumerable.

There is certainly remarkable potential in the relationship. It would be great if China could help India join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The impact this would have on India-China relations would be very positive. To make this century a truly Asian one, there is no doubt that the Elephant and the Dragon need to join forces and forge ahead. As a wise man once said,