Eye on Pak, Modi urges China to unite against terror at G20, embraces Obama

HANGZHOU: Building international opinion on countering terrorism and isolating Pakistan was on top of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda during his meetings with

HANGZHOU: Building international opinion on countering terrorism and isolating Pakistan was on top of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda during his meetings with world leaders, including a crucial talk with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 11th G20 Summit in Hangzhou on Sunday.

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Modi emphatically brought up the issue of terrorism “emanating from south Asia” during his bilateral meetings with Xi and Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull and in his speech at an informal meeting of the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) leaders ahead of the G20 Summit.

But China’s official statement did not mention any of the concerns Modi raised. Instead, it said it wants to maintain the “hard-won sound relations” with India and work on deepening synergy and handling bilateral differences

In his 35-minute meeting with Xi, Modi said, “To ensure development of bilateral ties and their steady development, it is of paramount importance that we respect each other’s aspirations, concerns and strategic interests”. Economic Corridor (CPEC) – which passes through PakistanOccupied-Kashmir (PoK) – was brought up during the meeting.

Swarup indicated that Modi brought up China’s decision to block New Delhi from becoming a member of the group with access to sensitive nuclear technology.

But terrorism was the central theme of Modi’s talks through Sunday.

While Modi made his anti-terror pitch, the Chinese state media in a markedly toned down version of the bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi, quoted the President as saying, “Both sides had seen healthy, stable and speedy development of their relationship, and that as neighbours and developing countries they should continue high-level exchanges.”

The official news agency, Xinhua, did not mention any of the issues brought up by Modi during their meeting like terrorism, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) or for that matter the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) issue.

Instead, the official statement used the rare phrase “hard-won” sound relations to describe what Xi thinks of the bilateral ties.

It was possibly used to indicate that both countries were working hard to maintain steady ties despite differences.

The only indication that problems plaguing the relations could have been discussed was the line that Xi was quoted as saying, “China and India should respect and care for each other on issues of major concern, and handle differences in a constructive way.”

“China and India should continue dialogues at various levels and in various areas, and frequently exchange views on major issues of common interest to enhance understanding and trust,” Xi said.