India currently has 'Border Haats' on borders with Bangladesh but not with China. (File Photo)
India today ruled out setting up trading centres along its border with China in Arunachal Pradesh saying such an initiative could be taken only when Beijing agrees to it.
"China has to agree. We can't force anyone. There has to be mutual consent, then only 'border haats' can be set up," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in Lok Sabha during the Question Hour.
Mr Rijiju's statement came when Congress MP from Arunachal Pradesh Ninong Ering asked why India can't set up 'border haats' along the Sino-Indian border in the state.
The Minister said without cooperation from the other country, no trade can take place in any 'border haat'.
Currently, India has a border trading post with China at Nathu La in Sikkim.
Mr Rijiju said India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up six more 'border haats' soon for promotion of trade along the international borders.
At present, four 'border haats' -- two in Meghalaya and two in Tripura -- are functional along Indo-Bangladesh border and the four new 'border haats' -- two in Tripura and four in Meghalaya --will be set up soon.
The Minister said during two years of the Modi government, various efforts were taken for promotion of trade along the international borders.