Traders' torture: India 'happy' after China takes action

NEW DELHI: After the ugly episode of two Indians being tortured near Shanghai, China on Wednesday promised adequate safety to Indian nationals there as it initiated criminal proceedings against five locals suspected of being involved in the act.

The assurance was given by Chinese ambassador Zhang Yan to external affairs minister SM Krishna and a senior official of the ministry during his separate meetings, after which the Indian side expressed satisfaction at the steps taken.

"I had detailed discussion with your foreign minister. The Chinese government attaches great importance to this matter. We are working very hard to find a solution to this issue and to resolve it as early as possible," Zhang told reporters after his meeting with Krishna.

Earlier, Zhang told Gautam Bambawale, joint secretary (East Asia) in the external affairs ministry, that due attention was being given to the safety of Indians in China.

Krishna said he had discussed with Zhang the safety of the two Indians and both agreed that safety of every Indian in China is of "utmost importance" to them also.

"I am immensely pleased and satisfied with the quick response I got from the Chinese ambassador and also pleased and satisfied with the local authorities in China, who have been cooperative," the minister said.

He said such issues, which "arise out of trading conflicts" should not be allowed to "blow out of proportion and distort the good relations" between the two countries. "Let us try to be objective in assessing the situation and not blow it out of proportion," Krishna said, adding "we should bring larger perspective of safety of these Indians which is now achieved."