Though Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India can boost trade ties, the fact is that unresolved boundary disputes between India and China will keep simmering in the background (“Modi, Xi mix business and leisure,” Sept.18). Confidence-building measures are imperative. It is only after this that trade and commerce should find a place at the diplomatic high table.
Kiran Jose,Kadanad, Kerala
Mr. Xi’s visit reminds one of the golden period of Chandragupta II, when the Chinese traveller Fa-hien visited India, a period that witnessed the flourishing of art and literature. Let history repeat itself and the meeting of the two leaders fetch us prosperity and herald advancements in the domains of trade and business.
Meenakshi Pattabiraman,Madurai
As Professor Amartya Sen observes, India and China have been civilisations with “intellectual fire power” and will continue to be so. One looks forward to deeper cultural and economic links. Both nations are major economic powerhouses, have a burgeoning trade component to their ties and are poised to play a dominant role in this century. A China-India Free Trade Area would be very welcome.
India desires cordial, fraternal and business relationships with China, but China has to reciprocate this and inspire confidence in India. Settling the border dispute in a firm manner will be the key to a lasting and trustworthy relationship.
H.N. Ramakrishna,Bangalore
