Manmohan Talks Firm On Border With Li
On Monday, both sides are to hold formal talks.
Li, on arrival, said that China regards India as an important partner and friend and it serves their bilateral interests and for the world to coexist peacefully.
China, he said, regarded India as an important partner and friend. "I am looking forward to exchanging views with Indian leaders on bilateral ties and regional and global issues of common concern," he added, reported Xinhua news agency.
On Monday, Li will hold delegation level talks with the prime minister at the Hyderabad House after which the two sides are expected to sign agreements on cooperation in trade, agriculture, environmental protection and culture.
Li is heading an 80-member delegation that includes Foreign Minister Wang Yi. On Tuesday he goes to Mumbai, from where he will go to Pakistan, Switzerland and Germany.
Li had last visited India 27 years ago at the head of a youth delegation and has said he has fond memories of that trip.
Xinhua news agency Saturday said the choice of India as the first leg of Li's maiden overseas visit has sent out a clear signal that Beijing's new leadership prioritizes enhancing ties with New Delhi.
But it warned that "the two nations cannot fully restore mutual trust without resolving the border dispute".
The Chinese embassy has been fortified to foil possible protests by Tibetan residents.
The Taj Palace Hotel, where the Chinese leader is staying, has been made out of bounds for visitors with several layers of police check posts.
India is home to some 100,000 Tibetans including the Dalai Lama, who is now in the US.
