Red carpet, serious agenda await Hu

NEW DELHI: India is preparing to roll out the red carpet for China President Hu Jintao, who arrives in New Delhi today, despite the disquiet caused in some quarters by the Chinese ambassador’s comments on Arunachal Pradesh.

“I think it will be a significant visit,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told DNA. He said the ambassador’s provocative utterances will not overshadow the tour. “You know, this is the Chinese position,” he said.

Jiang Zemin, who came to India 10 years ago, was the last Chinese president to visit the country.

During Hu’s tour, the two countries are likely to endorse the Delhi declaration that seeks to provide political direction to strategic relations. A bilateral trade protection agreement and MoUs on tourism and health are also expected to be signed.

The opening of a consulate in Kolkata may also be discussed. The city once had such a large Chinese population that the Bank of China had established a local branch. The branch was shut down after the 1962 war. Although the war also induced many Chinese to leave Kolkata, an appreciable number stayed back.

The visitors’ wish of Hu addressing a joint sitting of Parliament will not be fulfilled because, after Tuesday’s meetings, the President is scheduled to visit Agra and Mumbai. At least 40 top business leaders are part of the delegation.