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ShareNew Delhi: Noting that Indian government does not view China or its development as a "threat", minister of state for external affairs Shashi Tharoor today said the two countries cannot afford to have a relationship of "antagonism" and should join hands for prosperity and "common good".
He also said the border between the two countries has been "largely peaceful and tranquil" and the boundary disputes should be resolved through "dialogue and diplomacy".
"The government of India does not view China or China's development as a threat of any kind. We strive to develop a friendly and cooperative relationship with China, which is our largest neighbour and with which we cannot afford to have a relationship of antagonism," he said at a conference on 'Emerging China: Prospects for Partnership in Asia' here.
China and India can achieve "a lot" by joining hands, not only for their interest but for the "common good" in Asia and the world, Tharoor said. Both the countries must try to tackle the new global challenges together, while "helping the world economy out of recession," he opined.
Saying that there are "some differences in some areas mutually with the border," he added "We believe dialogue and diplomacy is the key for resolving these differences." The two countries have decided not to let such issues come in the way of cooperation in "functional areas", he said.
"It will help if Chinese commentators deepened their understanding of India... We need to understand China better," he said, adding, "We hope the media, which was not always constructive on this issue, plays a responsible role."
Even as they are trying to find solutions to the differences, China and India should carry on with the "common quest for peace and prosperity," the Union Minister said.
China has emerged as India's largest trading partner and biggest overseas project contractor, he said and dwelt on cooperation in tourism, specially in relation to Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. He also referred to cooperation in IT sector and among software and telecom engineers while noting that "7,000 Indian students are currently studying in China." He said, "Our aim should be to consolidate these gains."
"India is not an obstacle to China's aspirations... Our prime minister has often said the world is big enough for both India and China to realise their developmental aspirations...Both China and India presents some opportunities for each other as well as for others around us," Tharoor said.
Long before the India-China growth story attracted global attention, the principles of Panchsheel demonstrated the two countries' interest in building peace and friendship, he said.
"Our relationship has since evolved. We now have a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity and shared vision for 21st century," Tharoor said.
He noted the view of Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who spoke at the conference earlier, that the friendship principles of 1954 were not fully realised and a stage has come where it can be done. "I think it is a very constructive way of looking at the current scenario," Tharoor added.
