Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj called on Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao just before his departure from here on Friday and raised several key issues that have become irritants in the bilateral ties.
She pointed out that while China always maintained that it remained ?neutral? between India and Pakistan, the fact was that while India was a victim of terror, Pakistan was the perpetrator. In such a situation, the question of neutrality should not arise.
BJP spokesmen Ravi Shankar Prasad told journalists that Ms. Swaraj also raised the issue of stapled visas China gives to Jammu and Kashmir residents and alleged Chinese incursions into Arunachal Pradesh. Both issues have been raised repeatedly by the party in and outside Parliament.
Ms. Swaraj also welcomed the prospect of more trade between the two countries, but highlighted the need for China to open up its market to Indian pharmaceutical products and software.
Mr. Wen asked Ms. Swaraj about Atal Bihari Vajpayee's health, while recalling the former Prime Minister's visit to China as Prime Minister.