India Thursday declined an invitation by China to join the latter's initiative for fighting the pandemic jointly with south Asian nations.
Apr 29, 2021, 07:33PM ISTSource: TOI.in
India Thursday declined an invitation by China to join the latter's initiative for fighting the pandemic jointly with south Asian nations.
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had Tuesday held a meeting with his counterparts from Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for cooperation against Covid-19.
Chinese ambassador to India Sun Weidong said Wednesday that Beijing had also invited India for the meeting which China has been hosting with countries in India's backyard.
Asked about the invitation, official sources said India hadn't recognised the initiative and that its own efforts to engage its neighbours had been more significant. India had last year held several Saarc meetings virtually as a way to reaffirm its commitment to greater sharing of "knowledge, expertise and best practices" in the joint fight against Covid-19 for, as it said, the larger regional good.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-cold-to-chinas-invite-to-participate-in-joint-fight-against-covid/articleshow/82297253.cms
