Recent clashes in disputed sino-indian territories in Kashmir has renewed initiatives to resolve the acrimony over the border regions.
This week, China premier Li Keqiang met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday, to discuss issues that are dividing the two countries.
Among them, trade deficit inequalities, the Kashmir boundary dispute, and trans border dispute.
The two heads of state have said to have engaged in 'honest' debate and 'frank' talk, both euphemism for an animated discussion on the most pressing issues.
One thing they were agreed on : both China and India need to find long term solutions to the problems that divide them. A new framework, leading to a resolution on the border dispute is the most pressing item, if they are to avoid flash points that could lead to greater incidents and even conflict.
China for its part, through Li, has admitted that significant problems exist between the two countries. Such an admission would be unthinkable decades ago, and it is a move that signifies at least willingness from China to deal with the thorny problem.
Because of significant economic and commercial interaction between the two countries, neither can ignore the other's grievances.
Singh, for his part, made sure to include one of his pet peeves in the discussions: "I also reiterated to Premier Li India's concerns about the effects on lower riparians of activities in the upper reaches of our shared rivers," as a way to remind the international community of China's unilateral decision to build dams on the Brahmaputra river.
Another area of focus, is Singh's desire to see China invest in India's infrastructure and manufacturing. Specifically Singh named the development of infrastructure linking India's north with Bangladesh, Myanmar and China and later with other south eastern countries.
Source : the Times of India / 5.20.13
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