CRI听力:China Seeks to Cash in on Modi's Vision to Modernize India's Rail Network

China Seeks to Cash in on Modi's Vision to Modernize India's Rail Network 

Two issues are expected to dominate the discussion during Narendra Modi's first visit to Beijing.

The long-drawn border dispute between the two countries will feature at the top of the agenda along with ways to boost economic cooperation between the two countries.

Many experts say that the Asian giants are putting economic ties ahead of regional rivalries.

Deals worth $10 billion US dollars are expected to be signed during Modi's three-day visit.

But Professor Jiang Jingkui, director of the center for South Asian Studies at Peking University, says cooperation in High-speed rail projects will benefit most.

"China has a very strong competitive edge when it comes to developing high-speed rail networks. Although Japan's capabilities in this sector cannot be ignored, they are behind when it comes to price competitiveness when compared to China. China also has the world's largest and fastest high-speed rail network."

India is seeking investment of up to 137 billion US dollars over the next five years to revamp its ailing rail-network.

Beijing is keen to accelerate work on a multi-billion dollar railway line running across the length of India, connecting New Delhi to the southern city of Chennai.

China is currently conducting a feasibility study for this $36 billion rail project.

The two sides have also agreed to speed up implementation of a shorter high-speed rail corridor connecting Chennai with India's Technology capital, Bangalore.

But Chinese companies are facing tough competition from Japan and France, as both eye investment in the world's fourth largest railway system.

Modi's upcoming visit to Beijing is expected to help smoothen out some of the obstacles that Chinese companies face when bidding for large rail sector projects in India.

But Professor Jiang points out that Modi's visit is not only about resolving tough business and political issues. He is also on a charm-offensive to win the hearts of ordinary Chinese citizens.

"Prime Minister Modi has joined China's main microblogging service Weibo and is hoping to create greater understanding of India especially among Chinese youth. He is not only trying to express his friendship but also project himself as someone who wants to listen and explain India to the Chinese people. This will help enhance India's soft power in China.

The social-media savvy Indian Prime minister managed to attract more than 20,000 curious followers in the first five hours after opening his Weibo account.

As China eyes a greater share of India's 2 trillion dollar economy, such direct, candid communication becomes more important for both sides.

For CRI, I'm Poornima Weerasekara.