India to take up border dispute, China focus on investment, trade

Xi, who arrives in India on Wednesday to boost investments and trade relations with India, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including two senior members of Polit Bureau and Chinese Commerce Minister. Sources said, Beijing wants to trump the Japanese commitment of USD 35 billion, which Modi bagged during his maiden trip to Tokyo.

The Chinese focus is clearly on agreements and commitments on economic relationship that include pacts on setting up at least two industrial parks. Chinese investments in railway networks, industrial parks and smart city projects is also expected, apart from cooperation in the nuclear energy, trade deficit and visa regime.

The Indian side, on the other hand, indicated that it will discuss the boundary dispute as well. “The key expectation is that we address issues of interests and concerns to each other. The path towards solution is based on a beginning of addressing those issues… As regards to issues on the table, sure there are unresolved issues including the boundary question…. Yes, it will be discussed,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.
Asked whether Kashmir, Tibet and stapled visa will also figure during the bilateral talks, MEA spokesperson said the two countries know the “sensitivities” of each other and it was the intention of both the countries to try and work out issues accordingly.

On the specific question of staple visa given by China to people of Arunachal, Akbaruddin said India’s stand has been that no differentiation should be made to the people from any part of India.

He also said it will be only the third occasion since Independence that an Indian Prime Minister will have elaborate talks with a Chinese President in India. The previous occasions, he said, were in 1996 and 2006.

Meanwhile, Chinese civilians camp inside Indian territory in Ladakh

LEH/NEW DELHI: Ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit, Chinese civilians in government vehicles entered Indian territory in Demchok in Ladakh and prevented locals from working on an irrigation project there. The Indian government sought to downplay the reports while maintaining that the boundary question would be discussed with the Chinese side.

“This is true that for the last one week, China is objecting and protesting against the work on an irrigation project in Demchok village which is close to the Line of Actual Control,” Leh Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh said.

Asked to comment on the issue, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the “brave sentinels” on the border will address any issue that happens on the border. Whatever happens there, they will handle it, he said.

The Army refused to comment on media reports.

A Brigadier-level flag meeting was held in Chushul earlier today where the issues of incursions and face-offs are learnt to have been raised by the Indian side. (PTI)