India and China today agreed for early settlement of border issue and expanding cooperation on trans-border rivers. The two countries signed eight pacts including sharing of information on water flow in river Brahmaputra. This followed the delegation-level talks between the visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh in New Delhi this afternoon. The other pacts are on trade, commerce, education and culture.
In his press statement, Dr Singh said that the Special Representatives of both the countries will meet soon to seek a mutually beneficial settlement of border issue. He said peace and tranquility on the borders are the basis for expansion of ties between New Delhi and Beijing. Stating that economic cooperation constitutes an important part of the bilateral relationship, Dr Singh said the growth potential of the two economies can provide the engine for greater cooperation. The Prime Minister sought greater market access for Indian products in China.
Chinese Premier, in his media interaction, said that he shared the hydrological information with India and the two neighbours are ready to set up communication with regard to water projects. He stressed that both sides have more interest than differences.
Earlier, Chinese premier Li Keqiang was given a cermonial welcome by President Pranab Mukherjee. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also attended the function held at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said peace and regional stability cannot be a reality without strategic mutual trust between China and India. He also said, the development of prosperity of the world cannot be a reality without the cooperation and simultaneous development of China and India. Premier Li Keqiang said this after inspecting the guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Li, also said he and Dr. Singh had most productive session of talks yesterday and expected more bountiful results from further discussions.
Premier Li said, the purpose of his current visit to India is three fold, to increase mutual trust, to intensify cooperation and to face the future. He addded that he hoped that the two sides would increase strategic mutual trust. Premier Li Keqiang later paid tributes to father of the nation at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.
