BEIJING: India has expressed concern over the widening trade deficit with China, with the Country's new envoy here saying that addressing the issue would be his top priority. India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri, who assumed charge on January 8 at a time when the two Asian giants were trying to boost their bilateral ties, said the Chinese media that India is working with the Chinese side for ensuring greater market access to the Indian agricultural products.

 

He expressed concern over the growing trade deficit, which has now crossed over USD 58 billion in over  USD 80 billion trade. The bilateral trade will cross the USD 100 billion mark this year, he said. "However, this figure includes a deficit of USD 58 billion for India and this deficit has been increasing over the years. Addressing this trade deficit would be one of my priorities because it is not really sustainable in the long term," Misri said.

 

India is working with the Chinese side for ensuring greater market access to the Indian agricultural products such as sugar and rice, as well as various fruits and vegetables, besides pharmaceuticals and IT, which are India's strengths, he said.