India and China have agreed to set up high power task force to address New Delhi’s concerns over increasing trade deficit and lack of access to its pharmaceuticals, IT and agricultural products, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with the Chinese leadership.
The two countries have agreed to set up the high power task force after PM Modi’s talks with President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Xi’an and Premier Li Keqiang here today, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told the media.
Modi flagged India’s concerns in his comments after his talks with Li, as recent official reports said the deficit touched USD 48 billion in the total trade of about USD 70.6 billion last year.
The task force was being formed because there is not enough movement on India’s calls for more access to pharmaceuticals and IT which Indian officials have identified as India’s strong areas.
- S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary
The Chinese has responded well to India’s concerns. “It is not that the Chinese side is in denial about it. The challenge is getting it done,” Jaishankar added.
The Chinese side too has its concerns about visas and slow movement on its investments which were flagged off by Chinese leaders in recent interactions with Indian officials.
(With PTI inputs)
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