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The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Chinese President, Mr Hu Jintao, met here today, with the Indian leader conveying the intention to expand cooperation in all areas and strengthen the strategic and economic partnership.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation with particular focus on economy and trade, amid India's concerns over the imbalance in favour of China.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Dr Singh told Mr Hu that India was “keen to expand areas of cooperation” with China.
“I wish to reaffirm the desire to strengthen strategic and economic partnership with China in every possible way,” the Prime Minister said.
As the two leaders greeted each other warmly, Dr Singh pointed out to Mr Hu that they had met a number of times, including on the sidelines of G-20 and BRIC Summits.
Mr Hu said it was pleasure to meet Dr Singh and that he looked forward to exchanging views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.
The Indian decision comes amid apparent moves by China to reverse its two-year policy of giving stapled visas to people hailing from Jammu and Kashmir.
The National Security Advisor, Mr Shivshankar Menon, however, insisted that the defence exchanges were never frozen as levels of communications at various levels, including at border commander level, were maintained.
He said the two countries will be discussing further exchanges and visits during the year.
While reviewing the bilateral relations, Dr Singh and Mr Hu expressed satisfaction at the steady growth of relations, Mr Menon, said.
Dr Singh and Mr Hu took stock of trade and economic relations and were convinced that these were on track to achieving the $100 billion by 2015.
Talking about trade imbalance, the Prime Minister sought better access for Indian goods in Chinese markets, particularly in IT, pharma and engineering sectors.
The Chinese President agreed that trade imbalance was a serious issue and said a series of measures were being taken to address it.
In this context, the two sides will be holding strategic economic dialogue.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister invited Mr Hu to visit India who accepted and said a mutually convenient date would be worked out. The Chinese President also invited Dr Singh for a bilateral visit which was accepted.
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