India, China for multipolarity 

By Amit Baruah 

NEW DELHI, JAN. 24. India and China agreed at their first-ever strategic dialogue today that the trend towards "multipolarity" was conducive to international peace and "should be encouraged." Two sessions of dialogue were held between the Foreign Secretary, Shyam Saran, and the Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, Wu Dawei, — one through the day and the second late in the evening. 

"Both sides agreed that the current international situation characterised by globalisation presented an opportunity as well as posed a challenge. They emphasised the need for making international relations democratic in order to face this challenge ... " the External Affairs Ministry spokesman said. 

`Broad convergence of views' 


Pointing out that there had been "broad convergence" of views on key international and regional issues, he said that the issue of reforms of international institutions, including the United Nations, came up. 

On U.N. Security Council reforms, the Chinese side conveyed its understanding for India's candidature to become a permanent member of the Council. The Chinese side indicated its support for India playing a more important role in the international affairs, including in the U.N. 

"The two countries shared the view that terrorism, in particular the possibility of weapons of mass destruction and sensitive technologies falling in the hands of terrorists, presented a grave threat and recognised the importance of international cooperation in meeting this threat. They also agreed that these dangers could not be tackled unilaterally." 

It is learnt that the issues such as Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, non-proliferation, counter-terrorism and the general question of United Nations' reforms were also discussed. Sources familiar with the discussions said the Chinese side raised the issue of when India would appoint a Special Representative to continue the talks on the border question. 

The Indian side, the sources said, informed the Chinese delegation that a decision on the issue would be taken in due course. The Centre is yet to appoint a new Special Representative after J.N. Dixit's death. The Indian and Chinese Special Representatives are expected to provide a framework to address the India-China border dispute from a political perspective. 

According to the sources, a detailed discussion took place on preparations for the Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao's Indian visit, which is likely to take place either at the end of March or the beginning of April this year. A final decision on the dates for the visit is expected soon. 

He said that Mr. Wu, who is the Chinese point man for the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear issue, called on the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, this evening.