PM Modi and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at joint press conference in Beijing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he had asked China to reconsider its approach to issues that are stopping the two countries from realizing the full potential of ties.
After talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, the prime minister said he had asked Beijing to take a strategic and long term view to push the relationship, which, he said, had been "complex" for the past few decades.
"I stressed the need for China to reconsider its approach to some issues that hold us back from realising the full potential of ties and I found the Chinese leadership responsive," PM Modi said in what appeared to be a reference to India's concerns over China's plans for infrastructure projects in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and its objections to China issuing stapled visas for residents of Arunachal Pradesh.
Mr Modi said he had reiterated the importance of the clarification of the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border between the neighbours.
Briefing reporters about the talks, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the desire to avoid untoward incidents on the border was very strong on both sides.
"There was a fair amount of discussion on the border and that we should expand number of border personnel meeting points - we have four currently," he said.
The two countries agreed to start annual visits between their militaries, expand exchanges between the border commanders and start using a military hotline that has been discussed in recent years to defuse flare-ups on the border, according to a joint statement.
"There is no timeline on border talks, the problem is too complex and too serious to contemplate putting a deadline," Mr Jaishankar said.
PM Modi described his talks with Mr Li as "candid, constructive and friendly" and said, "This is one of our most important strategic partnerships."
He said he had covered in his talks with the Chinese leaders "all issues including those that trouble the smooth development of our relations."
Speaking before PM Modi, his host Premier Li said, "further strengthen our political trust" and said the two countries needed more communication.