Relations between India and China have transformed over the past decade. Trade has grown from just $2 billion in 2000 to over $60 billion today, while conflict along the Line of Actual Control has been minimized thanks to institutionalised cooperation. Although this has created a foundation, what are our immediate priorities for the relationship to proceed further? People-to-people contact remains minimal, fuelling mutual distrust. Laws and regulations stifle Indian businesses from setting up in China, and vice-versa. How can we change this? What other areas can be explored to give greater depth to the relationship?
On December 11, Gateway House hosted Ashok Kantha, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, India and India’s Ambassador-designate to China, in conversation with S. Ramkrishna, Chief, Group Public Affairs, Mahindra & Mahindra, to discuss ‘India-China: Immediate Priorities.’
Ashok Kantha is Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, India, and India’s Ambassador-designate to China. Prior to this, he has been the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. In his three-decade long career, he has worked in different capacities at Indian missions in Singapore, China and the U.S.; and in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi dealing with India’s relations with China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.
S. Ramkrishna is Chief, Group Public Affairs, Mahindra & Mahindra. Prior to this, he was Chief Corporate Officer, Nokia India and South East Asia Pacific, and Chairman, Nokia India Pvt. Ltd. Board. He has also served in the National Executive Committees of FICCI and ASSOCHAM. He is also President Emeritus, Licensing Executives Society of India.
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