The question that bothers Indians vis-a-vis Sino-Indian relations is, 'why is China going slow on the finalizations of the Sino-Indian boundary?' The Joint Working Group (JWG) has been meeting regularly but has little to show in the way of the solution of the issue; the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has not been demonstrated and incursions continue. Recently a 'bunker' on Bhutan-Tibet-India tri-junction was broken-up by a Chinese patrol. Such provocative acts violate the understanding of maintaining peace and tranquility on the border.

The 2005 Agreement on Guiding Principles for any border related settlement lays down that it should not disturb settled population. This understanding was reiterated in the Wen Jiabao-Manmohan Singh parleys during the Chinese Premier's visit to India in 2006. However, references to Tawang, the headquarters of Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, being a part of Tibet continue to be made by the Chinese.

It is no wonder that the Indians get very upset on the above mentioned issues, hence commentaries and observations of political analysts suspect China's bonafides. The January 2008 visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh brought these issues to the forefront. However, a dispatch from Beijing published in The Times of India on 15 January 2008 states that China has renewed the commitment to abide by the 2005 agreement not to include populated areas within the purview of any settlement of the border dispute. India is also heartened by China's posture on civilian nuclear energy co-operation. Furthermore, China indicated its willingness to support New Delhi's aspirations for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

India's imports from China have increased eight and a half times since 2001-02. The Chinese government is looking at major India companies to invest in their country. China has become the second largest trading partner of India. Indian exports to China are comparatively less and more than 50 per cent is raw material (primarily iron ore). As far as export of manufactured goods is concerned, it is up to India to make a mark in this direction. India is in a position to export soft ware and pharmaceuticals.

It is reported that China is looking at major Indian companies to invest there; Tata and Reliance have been specifically mentioned by China's Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Chinese companies are also looking at investment possibilities in India.

India's growth has gained universal recognition. It is the second rising power. In Wen Jiabao's words, "We are partners not rivals. We each have our own strength. We must learn to respect each other, trust and understand each other without asking "who would out do whom." He said this after the release of the Joint Statement on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent visit - "A Shared Vision for the 21st Century of the Republic of India and the People's Republic of China."

The unfinished business of settling the border is important and more so an agreement of the LAC in order eliminate provocative incursions. India's stand on this matter should be assertive but not provocative. In the meantime we should let relations develop at an unhindered pace in other fields, particularly trade and investments based purely on economic realities.