India’s External Minister Meets Chinese Leaders; Proposes to Take Relationship Further

February 9, 2012 7:17 AM EST

External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Thursday met Chinese leadership handling foreign policy and national security issues.

"I came with idea of engaging with my Chinese colleagues on how to take the relationship forward in 2012. This was the common theme in all my four meetings with H.E. Mr Zhou Yongkang, Member of the Politburo Standing Committee, H.E. Mr Dai Bingguo, State Councillor, H.E. Mr Yang Jeichi, Foreign Minister and H.E. Mr Wang Jiarui, Minister, International Dept," Krishna said.

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"I proposed that we designate 2012 as the 'Year of India-China Friendship and Cooperation'," he said.

Krishna said that the Chinese interlocutors have readily responded positively to the suggestions.

"On the bilateral front, we have discussed our growing trade relationship. We are confident in our reaching the goal of 100 billion US dollars by 2015," he said.

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Speaking about the disputes connected with the Indian traders who were detained by the Chinese businessmen in Yiwu, Krishna said: "As our business and people-to-people interaction grow, there will also be issues which need to be attended too. One such instance relates to the two Indian traders who were illegally detained in Yiwu and are currently involved in resolving their commercial dispute with Chinese traders.

"This morning they met me and expressed a desire to clear their name and return to India as early as possible. I empathasized with them regarding their traumatic experience and have raised the matter with my Chinese counterpart. The Indian Mission will continue to provide all assistance in resolving the issue," he said.

Krishna had commenced his China visit on Wednesday.