In what is clearly among the most candid assessments on China from the Indian leadership, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday conceded that there was some amount of ?assertiveness? from the neighbouring country, but did believe that engagement was still the best way forward. He also sought to reach out to Washington as a more reliable partner.
Highlighting fundamental differences between India and China, Singh said there was more to growth than just GDP and, perhaps, made one of the boldest remarks when he termed reforms in China as those introduced by the ?writ of a ruling group in a non-democratic set-up?.
Interacting with members of the Council on Foreign Relations, an unusually forthcoming Singh sought to underline India?s distinctiveness.
?There is no doubt that Chinese growth is superior to India?s growth performance. But I always believe there are other values which are more important than just the growth of GDP. Respect for human rights, respect for rule of law, respect for multi-cultural society, ethnic and religious rights, these have value also.?