Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to India and meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to strengthen relations between both the nations. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived here today on a three-day visit, which is expected to define the relationship between the two neighbours who have had a troubled past.
With $100 billion of investment being pledged by China, the meet is likely to boost the business ties further. China is one of India’s major trade partner and the visit will see various matters being touched upon, ranging from trade to border issues.
One of the MoUs, to be inked between China Development Bank (CDB) and Industrial Extension Bureau (iNDEXTb) of Gujarat government, relates to development of industrial parks in the state.
Another pact will be signed between China’s Guangdong province and Gujarat government. The third MoU will be between Guangzhou and Ahmedabad cities for cultural exchange.
Proposed visa pact put off
$100 billion investment commitments over five years across various sectors will be disappointed that the proposed visa liberalisation agreement is off the agenda. Beijing’s intransigence of not following a ‘one-India’ policy by continuing with stapled visas for Arunachal Pradesh residents is the reason why India has put off signing the agreement.
The two sides had earlier decided to sign the visa agreement to ease travel for tourists, business travelers and professionals from either country during Xi’s visit.
However, official sources pointed out that India decided to put off the proposed pact to send out a strong message. By refusing to enter into the visa pact till Beijing stops issuing stapled visas, India was asserting that Beijing’s stand on Arunachal was unacceptable.