Shanghai: Favouring a new beginning between India and China to forge better understanding and cooperation in view of the landmark agreement reached this week, Information and Technology Minister Arun Shourie on June 26 said both the countries should not look at each other as rivals.

He also said both the countries should not be part of the "big game" that some others want to play in the region.

At an interactive session organised by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and Business week in Shanghai, he said, "If we want to be together, nobody can keep us apart".

He pointed out that if New Delhi and Beijing were always at each other's throats - directly or indirectly-- then others could intervene.

Shourie also stressed upon the need for cooperation between India and China at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at a critical stage in the new round of trade negotiations so as to protect the interests of developing countries.

"Whenever India and China have cooperated, there has been a material difference at WTO negotiations", he said referring to the Doha round of WTO talks when some developed countries wanted to harm the interests of countries like India and China.

The minister emphasised the need for India and China to be aware of each other's concerns. "The law of unintentional consequences" has an impact on bilateral ties, he said, adding that India and China need to be cautious to guard against any action done unintentionally which may have a debilitating impact on mutual relationships.

PTI