Indian Ambassador Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Editor's Note:
Ahead of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India tomorrow, in a move to boost bilateral relations, Indian Ambassador to Beijing Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (Jaishankar) was interviewed by Global Times reporter Ervlyn Young (GT). He shared his views on key issues, including border disputes.
GT: Premier Wen Jiaobao is to visit India later this week. What are your expectations for the visit?
Jaishankar: The relationship between India and China in recent years has witnessed significant growth in many areas. Bilateral cooperation has expanded, and we are working closely together on global issues. The forthcoming visit of Premier Wen Jiabao will be an opportunity to both showcase the extent of this progress, and to map out directions for its future growth.
GT: China and India have just completed the 14th round of Sino-Indian border talks. Some Indian media outlets have been reporting the deployment of Indian troops along the Sino-Indian border. What does this suggest? As both countries are working hard to deal with the border issue, what does its resolution mean to both sides?
Jaishankar: The reality con¬tradicts any alarmist depiction of the situation on the border, whether in India or in China. We have a long common border of 3,488 kilometers (Ed: There is no settled length of the common border. The Chinese government often refers to the border length as being "about 2,000 kilometers.") On the whole, it is peaceful and tranquil, reflecting understand¬ings reached in 1993, 1996 and 2005. Clearly, our dialogue on the border issue has been positive and constructive. Both sides attach great importance to an early resolution, as it would give a further boost to our already expanding relationship.
GT: Being the world's most populous countries and the fastest-growing nations in Asia, China and India inevitably face economic competition. How do you view the competition between the two countries?
Jaishankar: We should talk much more about their complementarity. After all, that is the driving force that has taken our bilateral trade to $60 billion. The opportunities are obvious for both parties. For China, India's infra¬structure demands are particularly appealing, as Chinese capabilities offer just the right mix of quality, cost and delivery. For India, it is in IT where we can help make Chinese companies global. Furthermore, in pharmaceuticals, we can offer economical solutions for China's growing healthcare needs. Looking at the big picture, we need to manage differences and maximize opportunities.
GT: Some view the Sino-Indian relations as a rivalry rather than cooperation. What do you think about this?
Jaishankar: We are all what we want to be. If we see the relationship only in competitive terms, then it will become that way. On the other hand, if we understand the nature of interdependence in the modern world, then we arrive at a different world view. We believe that the rises of India and China can be mutually reinforcing processes. Both nations seek change in the manner in which the world is currently run. The chances are better at getting that change if we work together, rather than independently.
GT: As Sino-Indian relations begin to have a global influence, what do you think will be the new challenges ahead? In which areas do you see the brightest prospect of stepping up bilateral cooperations?
Jaishankar: On a range of issues, our interests converge in seeking change in the interna¬tional order.
Our cooperation is manifest on issues such as climate change and food security, as it is in forums such as the G20 and the BRIC. But to strengthen our global influence, it is important that our bilateral re¬lationship consistently grows.
As a practical reality, India and China are meeting in more places and on more issues than ever before. We must cultivate good communication and strong understanding.
