External affairs minister Salman Khurshid has said that the boundary dispute between India and China is “not an insurmountable problem” and that both sides are committed to getting rid of such irritants in bilateral ties. Mr Khurshid, while conceding that because of the undefined boundary and therefore differences in perception it seems to be an insurmountable problem, noted, “But in our hearts, we know that it is not an insurmountable problem but also that both of us are committed for eradication and removal of these irritants in our relationship.”
The minister’s remarks assume importance in the backdrop of the increase in Chinese incursions along the LAC (Line of Actual Control). What caused immense concern in New Delhi, however, was the one lasting three weeks in Ladakh in April-May after PLA troops intruded into the Daulta Beg Oldi sector in eastern Ladakh.
Mr Khurshid, who was speaking at the inauguration of the India China Media Forum here on Monday, also noted that the 21st century is said to be the Asian century. He added, “It is our firm belief that this dream will remain unfulfilled if India and China are unable to find congruence on important ways in which we think on global issues.”
Mr Khurshid further said that the two sides “need to talk more to know each other better to fructify the full potential of this relationship between them”. Observing that India and China have had a peaceful co-existence for almost 4,000 years “but for a short interlude, that both of us feel must become quickly part of history as we look for significant cooperation between us in future”.
Foreign secretary Sujatha Singh, while speaking at the concluding session of the Forum, too conceded that the boundary question is “a particularly difficult issue” which “remains unresolved”. Noting that the two countries have “differing perceptions on some issues” as well as “ potential differences on other matters”, the FS added, “As governments, we have set up a number of mechanisms for dialogue and communication to address these issues.”