India, China support trilateral with US

New Delhi, Dec 13: India and China today supported the idea of a trilateral dialogue involving them and the US to deal with major global challenges and ensure better mutual ties.

"I agree with the proposal to launch a trilateral talk between China, the US and India. I think it is a good idea. China is open to any dialogue if it produces peace and development. I think it is a very positive idea," Chinese Ambassador Le Yucheng said.

He was replying to a question at an interactive session at the conference on "Shaping the 21st Century: India, the US and China" organised by Bengaluru-based media group Deccan Herald. Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh also supported the idea, saying such a proposal will enhance cooperation between the three countries which have strong ties bilaterally with each other.

The idea for such a dialogue was mooted by former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh while addressing the conference. Editor of Deccan Herald K N Tilak Kumar said the world today was witnessing a tectonic change with the phenomenal rise of China and the continued prominence of the US.

"Both countries are important to India and each one of the three have high stakes in economic ties with the other two," Kumar said, adding the kind of three-way relationship between them will be important not only to each of them but to the whole world. The combined contribution of India, US and China to the global GDP is between 40 and 45 per cent and their population is estimated at 40 per cent of the world.

Singh and Le also agreed that the boundary question should be resolved mutually and peace and tranquility at the border should be maintained. Listing the commonalities and shared interests, Singh said if "you have a trilateral dialogue, I think it will only further the type of interests (we are) seeking."

In his address, the Chinese ambassador said he was "very optimistic" about the "future" between India and China and underlined the need for ensuring peace on the border before reaching a final solution.

PTI