Former Ambassador dwells on Sino-India relations

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 20

DAV College, Jalandhar, in association with ML Sondhi Memorial Trust organised a symposium on “Current dimensions of global role of China and India-China relations”. Ashok Kantha, former Indian Ambassador to China (2013-2016), was the key note speaker.

Jalandhar Police Commissioner Arpit Shukla was the chief guest on the occasion. Other speakers Madhuri Sondhi, Ramesh Kumar and Kundan Lal Aggarwal were welcomed by Principal Dr SK Arora, Prof Sharad Manocha, Dr Dinesh Arora and Prof Kunwer Rajiv.

Ashok K Kanth is presently a distinguished fellow with Vivekanand International Foundation, a New-Delhi-based think tank. He was the Ambassador of India to China until his retirement in January last year. Prior to this, he was Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External affairs in New Delhi, with responsibility for 65 countries in India’s extended neighbourhood. He was also the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and Malaysia, Counsel General in Hong Kong, Deputy Chief of Mission in Kathmandu (Nepal) and Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs. In his diplomatic career spanning nearly 39 years, he specialised in Asia affairs with a particular focus on China.

“The entire expertise of both the nations agree on the fact that we need to continue the talks and communication process despite all attacks and obstacles, so as to stabilse the ups and downs from past so long and to establish an exemplary peaceful atmosphere in western Asia. Relations between contemporary China and India have been characterised by border disputes, resulting in three military conflicts. However, since the late 1980s, both countries have successfully rebuilt diplomatic and economic ties. In 2008, China became India’s largest trading partner and the two countries have also extended their strategic and military relations.

We need to understand and correlate that we both share same cultures and historical background and undoubtedly we have the power and capacity to establish commercial and non-commercial relations with each other. A peaceful, democratic and stable China is in the interest of India and the two countries should nurture their peace process as incidents like the land encroachments along the Line of Control disturb the friendly atmosphere in the region,” he said.