The remarks by External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar came in response to a query on Chinese President Xi Jinping starting his second five-year term and ordering the country's Army to intensify its combat readiness by focusing on how to win wars during the Congress of the Communist party.
"Our Prime Minister had sent his best wishes to President Xi for the success of the Congress before it met and subsequently congratulated him on his re-election as the General Secretary of the Communist Party," he said.
On China's offer for India to join its 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) initiative, which includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Kumar said India's position on the issue is well-known.
Though India supports connectivity, it has to be open and equitable, he added.
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India has objected to the CPEC as it is being laid through disputed territory and New Delhi boycotted a high- profile Belt and Road Forum organised by China in May.
Replying to a separate question, Kumar said India is in touch with Pakistani authorities regarding Hamid Nihal Ansari, who is in a jail in Pakistan.
Ansari had crossed over to Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012 and then went missing. He was later arrested and tried by a Pakistani military court, which pronounced him guilty of espionage.
The ministry is in touch with Pakistani authorities through its high commission there, the external affairs ministry spokesperson said.
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