'India, China can play key role in stability of Asia-Pacific'

NEW DELHI: Asserting that India-China ties are one of the "key relations" of the 21st century, experts from the two countries said in the complex international situation they could play a significant role in bringing stability and contribute to economic development of the Asia-Pacific region.

A release, issued at the end of the two-day-long first 'India-China Think-Tanks Forum' here today, also said the discussions were held in the spirit of friendship and openness and contributed to "enhancing mutual trust and understanding" between the two sides.

"The participants were unanimous in their view that the India-China relations is one of the key relations of the 21st century, and that in the complex international situation it could play a significant role in bringing stability and contribute to economic development of the Asia-Pacific region," it added.

The Forum, inaugurated by Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar, was jointly organised by the Institute of Chinese Studies, the Indian Council of World Affairs, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The Forum is a bilateral platform established by an MoU between Ministry of External Affairs, India and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to China last year.

Under the theme 'Towards a Closer India-China Developmental Partnership', the Forum carried out in-depth discussion on issues including strengthening bilateral strategic communication, promoting economic ties, deepening people-to-people cooperation, and regional economic and security architecture, the release added.

The Forum saw participation from prominent strategic thinkers, economists, academics, and social scientists from both countries.

This Forum provides an institutional platform for regular exchanges and creates an enabling framework for a wide cross- section of think-tanks to deliberate on issues of significance and mutual interest, and to provide structured advice and recommendations to governments on both sides.

Both sides agreed to continue to strengthen the Forum and encourage exchanges between the think-tank communities in the two countries.

The second India-China Think-Tanks Forum will be held in Beijing next year.