Indo-China ties example for Pakistan, says Sinha

According to him, the two neighbours had shown the wisdom to move ahead in their bilateral relationship while addressing contentious issues such as the border dispute, separately. ‘‘Economic integration and an overall improvement in relations has not been held hostage to differences over specific issues,’’ he said.

Sinha, in fact, even suggested that Islamabad should pursue a similar course. ‘‘The wisdom of adopting such an approach to Indo-Pakistan relations is self-evident. I hope our neighbour will not keep its eyes forever shut to this truth,’’ the External Affairs Minister said.

He pointed to the progress in sorting out the decades-old differences on Line of Actual Control as an indication of normalising relations between the two neighbours. India and China could also seek common ground on counter-terrorism, security issues and policy planning, Sinha said.

Bilateral relationship would also benefit from the regular visits being exchanged regularly. Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee is expected to visit China this year, while Chinese premier Zhu Rongji was in New Delhi last year. However there were concerns on the Chinese position on Sikkim and India’s candidature to a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. Sinha also expressed disappointment over the pace of improvement in relations between the two countries.

However fears of a ‘‘second invasion’’ by cheap Chinese goods had proved untrue. A fact underlined by India-China trade figures that reflected a ‘‘relative balance’’ between Indian exports and imports.’’