PM’s bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Li Keqiang, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

Both sides reviewed the global scenario with regard to the economic slowdown, climate change and international terrorism. The Chinese Premier observed that India had maintained its growth momentum despite the slowdown. Both sides reviewed the preparations for the CoP-21 conference in Paris. Shri Narendra Modi briefed the Chinese Premier on the solar alliance initiative, and invited China to join it. Both sides agreed that terrorism is the biggest challenge, and the international community must come together to counter it.

Bilaterally, both sides discussed trade and investment, with the Prime Minister once again reiterating the concern over India’s large trade deficit with China. Cooperation in the area of skill development was discussed.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe, hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over lunch. Mr. Shinzo Abe reiterated that the India-Japan bilateral relationship has the greatest potential of any bilateral relationship across the world. The Prime Minister acknowledged the Japanese Prime Minister’s vision for the bilateral relationship, and said he looks forward to the visit of Mr. Shinzo Abe to India. The Prime Minister said that Japan was partnering India in a number of initiatives such as the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), which had transformative potential. Regional connectivity, maritime security, the upcoming CoP-21 conference, reform of the UN Security Council, and the issue of terrorism were some of the other subjects that came up for discussion.