Calcutta, Feb. 26: China’s Vice-Premier Chen Hsilien said to-day that his Government “is ready for talks” — if desired by the Government of India — for normalisation of relations between the two countries.
He was speaking to newsmen during a brief halt at Calcutta airport on his way back home from Kathmandu after attending the coronation of the King of Nepal.
Asked about restoration of normal diplomatic relations between India and China, the Vice-Premier said, “It is for the Government of India to consider easing the diplomatic relations with China.”
When a correspondent asked whether China thought that India’s close relations with the Soviet Union stood in the way of improving Sino-Indian ties, he replied “not necessarily.”
The Vice-Premier was asked whether China was ready for talks with India if the latter wanted it for normalisation of relations. He replied, “Yes, we are ready for talks.”
When a correspondent observed that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had written to Chiarman Mao Tsetung but no reply had been received, he said. “One day India and China will have friendly relations.”
West Bengal Finance Minister Shankar Ghosh, who received the Chinese Vice-Premier at the airport, intervened and said “we hope your visit to Calcutta this time will mark the beginning of friendly relations between the two countries.”
“I hope so,” the Vice-Premier reciprocated.
Published – February 27, 2025 03:00 am IST