兩國都有美好的未來

本刊記者 孫玲 翻譯 王磊

專訪印度駐華大使蘇杰生博士

我們一定要拘泥于歷史嗎？印度和中國都在崛起。兩國都有非常美好的未來。這需要用樂觀和積極的態度來看待兩國關系。

2010年4月1日，中印兩國正式建交60周年。60年里，中印兩國在政治、經濟、文化等方面的交流與合作都得到了充分的拓展。作為新興的發展中國家，中印兩國的發展面臨著哪些新的機遇？兩國又將如何面對歷史問題，在雙邊關系上邁出新的一步？為此，本刊記者專訪了印度駐華大使蘇杰生博士來解讀中印關系。

中國報道：今年是中印建交60周年，中國將今年定為印度年，印度也將今年定為中國年。請問印度將舉辦哪些紀念活動？除經貿推廣之外，在文化交流等方面，是否也有一些安排？

蘇杰生：對我們來說這是非常重要的紀念日子。我們應該提醒年輕一代，中印兩國過去一直并肩奮斗。這將加強我們今后就共同關心的問題一起合作的決心。目前，我們兩國確實在做一些貿易推廣的活動。這些活動將于今年4月至10月在印度17個城市舉行。另外，我們還將在30多個城市舉辦文化交流方面的活動。會有更多的人能夠分享這些盛事。

中國報道：目前，中國已經超過美國成為印度第一大貿易伙伴，印度也已成為中國第十大貿易伙伴。您如何總結60年來尤其近些年來兩國的經貿往來和經濟成就？蘇杰生：我們可以通過貿易數字來看新階段兩國貿易之間最顯著的變化。15年前，也就是1995年，雙方貿易額只有12億美元。在2000年也仍然只有30億美元。但是到了2005年，這個數字已經增長到187億美元。過去的兩年是兩國貿易額迅猛增長的時候。2008年達到了510億美元。2009年即使遇到全球經濟下滑，雙邊貿易額也達到了430億美元。2010年前兩個月，這個數據同比增長50%以上，也是非常喜人的。應該注意到的一點是，經濟合作是新型印中關系最為核心的要素。因此，必須成功地做好兩國貿易和相互投資，這是非常重要的。

中國報道：您曾經說，“中國企業在印度的表現要比印度企業在中國的表現活躍得多”，您能否對此做具體解釋？

蘇杰生：這里有兩方面的問題。其一，中國企業要比印度企業活躍嗎？我相信是的。但是與此關聯的第二點是，印度的國內市場要比中國市場更開放嗎？我相信答案依舊是肯定的。因此，一方面，印度的企業必須更加努力；另一方面，中國的市場應該更加積極和開放，特別是在信息技術、制藥、農產品出口和技術服務等方面。對中國來說，這是長遠的利益。

中國報道：中印建交60年，是思考和總結的契機。您曾說，要加強合作，就要為對方提供問題的解決辦法。在您看來，中國市場還應該在哪些方面做出努力，以進一步促進兩國經濟領域合作？蘇杰生：從根本上說，中國企業在為印度企業提供商機時應該有一個更加開放的心態。當然，印度市場更應該充分展示其競爭力。我可以向你保證我們今年就會做這件事。3月26日，我們辦了一個大型信息技術領域的活動。今年晚些時候還要在制藥方面辦一個活動。我本人也已游說我們的商會派出工業代表團來參加這17項活動。

中國報道：中國和印度有許多共同點，如人口最多的國家，同為發展中國家，又是“金磚四國”中的兩個重要成員。您如何看這些共同點在兩國交往中所發揮的作用以及對今后的影響？

蘇杰生：印度和中國有很多利益共同點。這體現在我們的雙邊關系和解決地區和全球問題等方面。我們有責任把這些共同點轉化為雙方的合作。如果是有重大意義的合作，無疑會帶來更大的反響。

中國報道：在中國經濟崛起的同時，印度國內對中國的快速發展表示了一些警惕，對此您有什么看法？您對中印兩國增強彼此互信，有什么建議？

蘇杰生：我的感覺是，事實上在普通印度人的心中，對中國取得的經濟成就是非常羨慕的。對我們來說，確實有值得學習的地方。兩國之間的互信將隨著合作的不斷加深而增強。

中國報道：作為電影大國，印度寶來塢電影多年來深受中國人喜愛，比如《大篷車》、《阿育王》、《寶來塢生死戀》。您是否喜歡看中國電影？

蘇杰生：我并沒有觀賞很多中國電影。近期，我看了《建國大業》，非常吸引我。當然我也看過一些更有名的電影，比如《十面埋伏》和《天地英雄》。我還非常喜歡《赤壁》。

中國報道：中國一些專家也在為中印建交60年做梳理和總結，其中提到中印交往的一些歷史教訓，和兩國需要跨越的歷史難題。您如何看那些不愉快的往事？

蘇杰生：我想反問的問題是：我們一定要拘泥于歷史嗎？印度和中國都在崛起。兩國都有非常美好的未來。這需要用樂觀和積極的態度來看待兩國關系。

中國報道：中印邊界問題還未能最后解決，對此，您期待一個什么樣的結果？

蘇杰生：這是一個復雜的問題，解決它還需要時間。

中國報道：您曾經在多個國家有駐外經歷，和以往其他國家相比，在中國工作最大的特點或不同是什么？

蘇杰生：我認為中國最迷人的部分就是其變革的廣度和速度。中國也是唯一一個與印度面臨類似挑戰的國家。這確實非常特別。

中國報道：自從2009年8月上任以來，您去了中國許多地方，如上海、廣州等。您覺得在中國生活和在印度生活的最大區別是什么？

蘇杰生：對一個像我這樣的人來說，中國的現代化和傳統性是非常有趣的。這兩者的共存對一個印度人來說可能更容易理解。在我的職業生涯里，我們一直在做的就是求同存異。我可以向你保證，印度和中國的共同之處要比你看第一眼得出的結論多得多。

Interview of Ambassador Dr. S. Jaishankar

China Report: This year is the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. China sets this year as “India Year”,while India sets it as “China Year”. Would you please tell us something about the main celebration activities in India? What are they and how they go? Besides trade promotion,are there many arrangements on cultural exchange and other aspects?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: It is a very important anniversary for us. We should remind the younger generations that India and China have stood together in the past. That will strengthen our resolve to do so in future on issues of common concern. Yes, we are doing a number of trade promotion events.In fact, these will be in 17 cities between April and October, 2010. In addition,there will be cultural activities in more than 30 cities so that we enjoy a better appreciation at the popular level.post strong growth. It was $51 billion in 2008 and in 2009, despite the global economic downturn, was $43 billion. The first two months of 2010 have been very encouraging. There is more than 50%growth as compared to 2009. The point to note is that economic cooperation is a central element of the new India-China relations. It is, therefore, very important that the businesses of both countries must succeed when dealing with each other and investing in each other.

China Report: At present, China has surpassed America and become India’s biggest trade partner. India is China’s tenth biggest trade partner. Would you summarize the economic exchange and trade between the two countries and their economic achievements in the past 60 years and in recent years especially?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: The most visible change in this new phase of our ties can be seen in our trade figures. Fifteen years ago, in 1995, bilateral trade was only $1.2 billion. In 2000, it was still only $3 billion.By 2005, it had grown to $18.7 billion.The last two years have seen our trade

China Report: You said that the Chinese enterprises in India are more actively than the Indian enterprises in China. Would you please interpret this in detail?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: There are two issues.One, are Chinese enterprises more active than Indian? I believe they are. But linked to this is, two, is India’s domestic market more open than China’s? I also believe that is so. Therefore, on the one hand,Indian business must strive harder. On the other, China should be more encouraging and open, particularly when it comes to IT, pharmaceuticals, agro-exports and engineering services. This is in long term Chinese interest.

China Report: China and India have diplomatic relations for 60 years. It is a golden moment now to think and summarize.You said that to enhance cooperation is to find a solution for the counterpart’s problem.Thus the Chinese market should make more effort to promote the economic cooperation between the two countries. In your point of view, what should the Chinese market do?Dr. S. Jaishankar: Essentially, Chinese companies should approach opportunities relating to Indian companies with a more open mind. Of course, that is possible only when India markets its capabilities more aggressively. I assure you we will do that this year. We have a big IT event to do exactly that on 26th March. We will do a pharmaceutical event later in the year.I have personally lobbied our business chambers to send industry-focused delegations to the 17 events we will be holding.for China’s speedy development. What’s your point of view about this? What’s your advice for China and India to deepen the mutual trust in the future?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: My sense is that there is actually considerable admiration in the mind of the average Indian when it comes to China’s economic achievements. For us, there are lessons to be learnt. Mutual trust will grow as habits of cooperation develop.

China Report: China and India share many things in common. How would you judge the roles those in common play in the exchanges between the two countries and their effects in the future?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: India and China have a strong convergence of interests. This can be reflected in our bilateral relations

China Report: Under the mechanism called BRICs, in what fields should the two countries further their cooperation, and what roles should they play on the international stage?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: We should await the Summit next month to assess the direction of BRICs cooperation.

and in our approach to regional and global issues. It is upto us to translate that convergence into cooperation. If that happens in a significant way, obviously, it will have much bigger repercussions.

China Report: India has a big motion picture industry. For many years, the Chinese like the Bollywood movies like Caravan and Devdas.Do you like Chinese movies? Can you name some?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: I haven’t seen as many Chinese films as I should. Recently, I watched the ‘Founding of the Republic’. It was very engrossing. Of course, some of the more famous films like ‘House of the Flying Daggers’ and ‘Warriors of Heaven and Earth’ have been seen by me. I also like ‘Red Cliff ’ very much.

China Report: As the Chinese economy taking off, some Indian people are on alert

China Report: Some Chinese experts are now summarizing Sino-India diplomatic relations at the 60th anniversary of its establishment. They mentioned about some historical lessons and also some historical

obstacles which need to be overcome in the exchanges between the two countries. How do you think about these unhappy stories in history?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: My counter question would be: Should we always remain prisoners of history? India and China are both rising. They have a great future ahead. That calls for optimism and a positive approach to our relationship.

China Report: Some border disputes between China and India have not yet been resolved. What results do you expect?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: It is a complicated issue and will naturally require time.

China Report: You have overseas work experience in many countries. Compare to other countries, what are the peculiarity and difference for you to work in China?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: I think the most fascinating part of China is the scale and speed of change that I see around me. It is also the only country whose challenges are comparable to those we face in India. That makes it very special.

China Report: Since you took office in August 2009, you have been to many places in China, like Shanghai and Guangzhou. Can you tell us your impression on China? What is the biggest difference between living in China and in India?

Dr. S. Jaishankar: Both the modernity and the heritage of China are of great interest to a person like me. Their co-existence is probably better understood by an Indian.In my profession, it is not that we ignore differences. But we constantly search for common ground. I can assure you that India and China have much more in common than you might assume at first glance.