Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrives in New Delhi today

New Delhi, May 19: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is arriving in New Delhi on Sunday on a three day official visit amidst optimism of expanding of cooperation between the two countries substantially.

A large business delegation is also accompanying him. He is due to visit both New Delhi and Mumbai.

External Affairs Ministry Spokersperson Syed Akbaruddin said New Delhi is highly hopeful that the visit will enhance mutual trust and understanding between the people and leadership on sensitivities of two countries.

Briefing newsmen in New Delhi today, he said Prime minister Manmohan Singh is hosting a dinner in honour of Li Kequiang arriving in New Delhi on Sunday afternoon.

During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss the entire gamut of India-China relations.

He said India has accorded priority to relations with China which needs to be carefully nurtured and India-China relations are important for the 21st Century as it evolves into both regional and global significance.

Akbaruddin said, India also acknowledges Premier Li Kequang's noble gesture of choosing New Delhi for his first overseas destination after taking over in March.

Progress on Border Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries is also likely to come up for discussions during Li Kequang's visit.


Li, is scheduled to address first CEO Forum of the two countries where he is expected to announce new initiatives to boost bilateral trade and to provide more access to Indian goods to Chinese markets to reduce the nearly 30 billion dollar trade deficit.