Sino-India boundary settlement put on fast track

Hu Jintao, Manmohan Singh have directed Special Representatives to intensify work, says Pranab

Minister for External Affairs Pranab Mukherjee said in the Lok Sabha today that President Hu Jintao of China and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had directed the Special Representatives 8220;to intensify work to expeditiously explore the framework of a boundary settlement.8221;

The minister, who was making a statement on the recent visit of the Chinese President, said both sides had also agreed that pending the settlement of the boundary question, they would maintain peace and tranquility in border areas and expedite the work of clarification and confirmation of Line of Actual Control. 8220;Both leaders agreed that an early resolution of the boundary question would not only advance the basic interests of the two countries, but also invest our strategic partnership with further strength and dynamism, and should therefore be pursued as a strategic objective,8221; he said.

Regarding the controversy triggered by the remarks of Chinese ambassador Sun Yaxi on Arunachal, he said he had 8220;unambiguously rejected the Chinese contention, stating that Arunachal is an integral part of India.8221; Besides, Indian envoy in Beijing had also taken up the issue immediately with the Chinese Government and conveyed 8220;our disappointment and concern8221;.

On the issue of reform of UN Security Council, he said Hu had reiterated the assurance given by the Chinese Premier to the Prime Minister in April last year that 8220;China understands and supports India8217;s aspirations to play a bigger role in the United Nations, including in the Security Council, and that China would be happy to see India succeed in its endeavour to become a permanent member of the UNSC.8221;

Both sides, according to Mukherjee, noted that India-China relations 8220;had transcended their bilateral dimension and acquired a global and strategic significance.8221; He said Hu had characterised the present phase in the relationship as a 8220;new historic beginning8221; and had conveyed that his visit would send out a strong signal to international community that India and China were willing to work hand-in-hand for long-term friendship and common development.

Describing continuity and consensus as the twin features of India8217;s China policy, the External Affairs Minister expressed the hope that 8220;our engagement8221; with Beijing at the highest level will speed up the process of resolution of 8220;outstanding differences8221; and sought the support and endorsement of Parliament to that end.