By IANS,
New Delhi : Underlining the immense benefit to India and China from better relations, an informed panel here Wednesday called for improving civil society interaction between the two countries.
At a panel discussion on ‘India-China Relations – Beyond Politics and Business’ involving China experts, scholars, MP Mani Shankar Aiyar and minister in Chinese embassy Wang Xuefeng, it was pointed out that though the two neighbours had “rather warm and friendly bilateral diplomatic relations”, people-to-people contact needed to improve.
Panellists at the discussion, organised by India China Economic and Cultural Council (ICEC), said common people of the two countries were alike in many ways including in their life philosophies and cultures.
A book, “Cinasthana Today – Viewing China from India”, by ICEC president P.S. Deodhar, chairman of the Electronics Commission, was also launched.
Launching the book, wherein articles are arranged under segments such as India’s historical and cultural links with China and China’s people, business and industry, Aiyar lauded it as an Indian effort in a context where most books on China were authored by Europeans and Americans.
“‘Cinasthana Today’ presents China differently, helping Indians get a right perspective of that country, helping both share a new, mutually progressive tomorrow,” he said.