India can't afford antagonism with China: Tharoor

New Delhi, Nov 23 (ANI): Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor hasaid that Central Government does not view China or China's development as a threat of any kind.

Speaking at a function here on Sunday, Tharoor said: "The government of India does not view China or China's development as a threat of any kind. We always tried to develop a friendly and cooperative relationship with China which is our largest neighbour and with which we cannot afford to have relationship of antagonism."

Tharoor urged scholars from both countries to broaden and deepen their understanding of each other.

"India is not an obstacle to China's aspirations, far less an instrument for its containment, as was wrongly suggested by some. It would certainly help if Chinese scholars and commentators broaden and deepen their understanding of India, equally knowledge and scholarship of China in our country needs to be augmented. We need to understand China better," Tharoor added.

On the issuance of multi-entry visa to suspected militant Tahawwur Rana and his wife; Tharoor said an investigation into the case is on.

"Some fairly thorough investigations which is not complete but which is making headway into what exactly happened when the visa was issued, there is certain amount of discretionary authority that is given to each of our consulates and there are certain requirements that they have to consult headquarters, we have to make sure the things are done in the particular case as well," Tharoor added. (ANI)