Mysore, June 07: The "negative aspect" in Indo-China relations would be removed soon, defence minister George Fernandes said today. Speaking at a function here, he said the ties were close with 99 per cent positive aspect but they had to remove the remaining negative aspect which would be done soon.

Fernandes, who visited China recently said that Beijing wanted to bring rapprochement between the two countries by burying the hatchet. They still feel that India had contributed greatly towards spirituality through Buddhism.

He called upon Indians to work overtime to catch up with China which, he said, was all set to become the world's number one economic power by 2020.
Fernandes was all praise for the progress of the neighbouring country. He pointed out that China and India got freedom at the same time. India did not have such bad past or experience compared to china which could still overtake the former to become the powerful economy in the world.

Bureau Report