Insight

China and India 'not competitors': India minister

By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-04-07 07:36

BEIJING - Indian Foreign Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna said on Tuesday that Beijing and New Delhi should not be seen as competitors, instead arguing that a stable and strong Sino-Indian relationship has consequences for the rest of the world.

Krishna said the two rising powers should show "maturity" in handling their differences.

Speaking at the China Institute of International Studies, Krishna said the neighboring countries can leverage each other's strengths to influence global issues through participation in groups such as the G20 and BRIC summit.

"India and China have only begun to impact seriously on the world," he said, adding the two countries' convergence is evident on issues like climate change and global trade rules.

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Seeking China's backing for a permanent United Nations Security Council seat for India, Krishna called on Beijing to "review" its previous policy on UN reforms.

"Indeed, even on the complex issue of UN reforms, it is time for China to review previously held positions and welcome the presence in the Security Council of a nation with which it has much in common," Krishna said.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu said China understands and supports India's willingness to play a bigger role in UN affairs.

"We will maintain communication with other member countries, including India, on the issue of Security Council reform," Jiang said.

Krishna also urged China to help India in fighting terrorism, calling India a "victim" of terrorism.

He said China should think seriously about terrorism as the issue is not confined to any particular country and can spread anywhere.

Krishna is currently on a four-day trip to China and is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi and call on Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

He will open the "Festival of India" in Beijing on Wednesday night, and his visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Cheng Guangjin contributed to the story.