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Chinese premier begins his three-day India visit

Last updated on: May 19, 2013 17:48 IST
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang waves upon his arrival at the airport in New Delhi on Sunday

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in New Delhi on a three-day state visit. He was received by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed and senior ministry officials including Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai. 

Li is accompanied by a high level delegation. The Chinese premier will have a restricted meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh this evening. 

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Chinese premier's three-day India visit begins

Last updated on: May 19, 2013 17:48 IST
Li Keqiang shakes hands with Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed upon his arrival at the airport in New Delhi.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson 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.

During the visit, both leaders are expected to discuss the entire gamut of India-China relations. On May 20, the Chinese leader will be given a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan before going to Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

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Chinese premier's three-day India visit begins

Last updated on: May 19, 2013 17:48 IST
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang waves upon his arrival at the airport in New Delhi

Delegations of the two countries will hold talks at Hyderabad House that will likely include border and trade discussions as well as talks on their respective roles in Afghanistan after the draw down of U.S. troops in 2014.

Premier Li will also call on Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj.

On Tuesday, Li will address a meeting hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Council of World Affairs, before calling on President Pranab Mukherjee.

The Chinese delegation, including Premier Li, will then travel to Mumbai to visit the headquarters of Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. The Chinese leader will also meet relatives of Dwarkanath Kotnis, an Indian doctor who treated Chinese soldiers during the Sino-Japan War of 1938.

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Chinese premier's three-day India visit begins

Last updated on: May 19, 2013 17:48 IST
A Tibetan exile is detained by police outside the Chinese embassy during a protest against the visit of Li Keqiang, in New Delhi, on Sunday

Meanwhile, a group of protesters, including Tibetans in exile, demonstrated against the Chinese premier's visit amid border tensions between both the countries.

"India needs to toughen its stand on intrusion by China. They should demand China to demarcate the international boundary first and only then proceed with further dialogue and let their leaders visit India," said Kansal, a protester.

 

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Last updated on: May 19, 2013 17:48 IST

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Source: ANI