India hopes for ‘evolved’ position on UNSC bid

Indian officials are hoping for an “evolved” Chinese position on its bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

Indian officials are hoping for an “evolved” Chinese position on its bid for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

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Government sources were expecting the Chinese to stick to its line of “having more discussions” but articulate an “evolved position” that would not amount to a very open endorsement.

“On the UNSC, it could be a slightly evolved position. But they could be saying that Beijing and New Delhi should have more productive discussion on the issue,” an official said.

China has already said that it supports India’s aspirations to play a major role in the UN including the Security Council.

“Both countries want the UN to be become effective and efficient. Bilaterally as well as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) forums have expressed the view,” an official explained.

In a trip that’s heavily driven by a business agenda, pacts are also expected on water issues concerning trans-border rivers, cultural cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and clean energy initiatives.

Sources said that India’s demand for “greater sensitivity” regarding the water and dam issues would be brought up at the discussions.

Moving forward from the flood-season data-sharing pact on the Brahmaputra, a similar pact for the Sutlej river is likely to be inked on Thursday.

Water resources minister Pawan Kumar Bansal will be part of the delegation-level talks.