Jiabao arrives in India, to focus on trade ties

New Delhi: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon on a three-day visit. Wen is being accompanied by a 400-member strong business delegation indicating that bilateral trade will be the main focus during the tour.

After arriving in Delhi, Wen said that China and India have established strategic and cooperative partnership.

"Friendship and cooperation between China and India have achieved comprehensive and rapid progress. The two sides have established and developed the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity," Wen said.

"China-India relations face major opportunities and enjoy broad prospects. My current visit is aimed at promoting friendship expanding cooperation, building on our past achievements and opening up new dimensions for mutual benefit and common development of two countries," he said.

"I will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders and have extensive contacts with people from various sectors of India. I am confident that with our joint efforts China-India relations will embrace an even better future," he added.

New Delhi also hopes for some solution to the Jammu and Kashmir stapled visa issue. Jiabao's arrival marks 60 years of India-China friendship and many business deals are expected to be signed between the two countries. But the tensions that have marked the past year could overshadow the visit.

Jiabao is expected to attend a business summit on Wednesday evening.

He will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday where the talks are likley to focus on key security and strategic issues. Manmohan Singh will also host a private dinner for Wen Jiabao.

India's concern over a big trade deficit with China is likely to be raised and inflow of foreign direct investment from China would also be sought, Indian officials said.

Despite being one of the largest trading partners, FDI from China is insignificant at $52 million in last 10-years compared to the total inflows of $140 billion.

The Chinese delegation of businessmen will conclude deals worth $20 billion.