India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on China to respect his country's core "concerns" and "interests" at a geo-political summit held in the national capital New Delhi. The call comes at a time when both countries bilateral relationship has been strained by unresolved diplomatic issues.       

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Speaking at the annual Raisina Dialogue summit, Modi claimed that it is but natural for large countries like India and China to have major differences, but this should not force both countries to show insensitivity towards each other's concerns.    

"In the management of our relationship and for peace and progress in the region, both the countries need to show sensitivity and respect for each other's core concerns and interests," he said.

Modi's statement was apparently aimed against China's hindering role in 'NSG' and Masood Azhar issues last year, with Beijing refusing to budge on both issues despite New Delhi's continuous diplomatic efforts.

The Indian prime minister also spoke on the Asia Pacific region, where China has locked horns with several neighbors over the South China Sea dispute.

He said that security in the Asia Pacific "must be open, transparent, balanced and inclusive. And it must promote dialogue and predictable behavior rooted in international norms and respect for sovereignty."

Modi also took a veiled swipe at the Beijing-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which New Delhi claimed to be a major security issue for its region.

The Indian leader said that only if the corridor respects other nation's sovereignty can it really fulfill its economic promises.

China so far has not given any official response to Modi's statements during the summit.  The Raisina Dialogue summit is the Indian government's flagship geopolitical event that is modelled on Singapore's Shangri La dialogue. This year, the summit is being attended by representatives of 65 nations.  

TagsNarendra Modi, China and India, Modi China, china, India