India-China border dispute cannot be wished away: Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Sunday said the border dispute between India and China is a complex and time consuming issue, which will be discussed by Foreign Ministers of both the countries in Bangalore from 27th October.

"Boundary problem is a complex issue and cannot be wished away...pending solution of the boundary question, both countries have an obligation to maintain peace and tranquillity along the borders," Dr. Singh said, addressing a press conference after attending the ASEAN Summit here.

The dispute should not have its reflection on bilateral trade between India and China, Dr. Singh added.

The prime minister said the 15th ASEAN summit has been landmark for India, as it has signed the trade in goods agreement.

The conclusion of the India -ASEAN trade in Goods Agreement is a concrete step, he added.

Singh expressed "deep satisfaction" over East Asian countries endorsing his Nalanda University project to make it a global institution of "excellence in education."

"The EAS leaders' endorsement of the Nalanda University project, which is to be located in Bihar is a matter of deep satisfaction. We intend to move forward with the next steps to establish the Nalanda University as a centre of excellence in education and international understanding," the prime minister said.

Dr. Singh also raised the issue of terrorism in India as well eastern countries in the ASEAN Summit.

He urged eastern countries to have common intelligence system so that terrorism activities could be curbed. (ANI)