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Modi for ‘inch to miles’ progress in ties with China
Tribune News Service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. PTI

‘Oriental wisdom’ to resolve boundary issue As countries with a long history of civilization, China and India have inherited some problems from history, but more importantly we have inherited oriental wisdom on how to solve problems…I believe that, with enough willingness and determination, we’ll find a proper solution to the boundary issue eventually Le Yucheng, chinese ambassador to India

New Delhi, September 16
India and China appeared poised to take forward their centuries-old ties to a new level with Prime Minister Narendra Modi summing up the possibilities of the relations moving ahead "Inch towards Miles" even as Beijing suggested both countries turn to “oriental wisdom” to resolve the vexatious boundary issue.

On the eve of President Xi Jingping’s three-day official visit, in conversation with a group of Chinese journalists based here, elaborating “Inch (India and China) towards Miles (Millennium of Exceptional Synergy)” Modi said every inch both India and China covered could rewrite history of humanity and every mile crossed would go a long way in making this planet a better place.

He hoped that together if India and China cover several miles that would take not only the two nations forward but also all of Asia. Both countries are bound by history, connected by culture and inspired by rich traditions. “Together they can create a bright future for the entire mankind,” Modi said.

In an interview to PTI Chinese Ambassador to India Le Yucheng said: “As countries with a long history of civilization, China and India have inherited some problems from history. But more importantly, we have inherited oriental wisdom on how to solve problems…I believe that, with enough willingness and determination, we’ll find a proper solution to the boundary issue eventually".

In his interaction, the Indian Prime Minister elaborated on the thrust areas with each country taking advantage of the strengths of the other. New Delhi sought support in the creation of infrastructure and development in the manufacturing sector, adding that his country, through its expertise in software, could make Chinese firms more competitive.

Other than skirting a question on India’s willingness to join President Xi’s grand plan to resurrect the Silk Route, opinion on which remains divided among strategic community here, the interaction made no direct reference to the outstanding boundary dispute on which the Special Representatives on either side have held 17 rounds of talks so far. India is yet to designate a representative for the job after NSA Shiv Shankar Menon demitted office this summer.