External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who heads for Beijing in pursuit of what is being dubbed as New Delhi’s “multi-vectored” diplomacy, is expected to discuss broad themes, not necessarily on the radar during U.S. President Barack Obama’s just-concluded visit to India. Among them could be the next steps to strengthen the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) grouping, and deepening of Sino-Indian economic ties.

The Chinese side acknowledges that President Obama was “probably one of the most high-profile guests ever attending the Republic Day Parade in India,” but according to a Xinhua commentary, “his presence there this time is not expected to significantly impact the longstanding China-India relations.” The write-up points out that India and China are “natural partners in many different areas,” they being the world’s two most populous nations and also on account of their status as the “two largest emerging economies.”

“Hailed as global factories and global service providers respectively, China and India enjoy great economic potential for cooperation in investment, financial services and high technologies.” The article, appearing ahead of Ms. Swaraj’s visit, points out that despite their border disputes, there were other cases in point that could serve as testament to the growing rapport between Beijing and New Delhi, the latest being joint New Year celebrations by the two sides at a bordering area on January 1.

At her media briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying signalled that Ms. Swaraj’s visit falls within the ambit of a 5-10 year framework plan that was unveiled during the visit to India last September by Chinese President Xi Jinping. She said China was willing to work with India to forge a closer partnership.

Source: TH