Prime Minister Narendra Modi could pay an early visit to China to expand cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade and investments, while addressing pending issues.

Modi accepted his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang’s request for an early visit, made through Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The Chinese foreign minister attended a 45-minute meeting with Modi, during which they also underlined the need to expand cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism and also promote cultural exchanges.

Wang also conveyed an oral message of President Xi Jinping praising Modi’s leadership, and sought peaceful cooperation and inclusive development for people of the two countries.

“Under your leadership, India will achieve greater development and progress. India and China are partners in long-term strategic cooperation,” Wang quoted Xi as saying.

“Let us work together to achieve peaceful cooperation and inclusive development for the benefit of our people and in the interest of peace, stability and prosperity in Asia and the world,” sources privy to the meeting quoted Wang telling Modi.  

The prime minister said he looked forward to working with the Chinese leadership to expand bilateral cooperation, and also extended an invitation to President Xi to visit India later this year. He also accepted the invitation extended by the Chinese premier to visit Beijing.

The dates of the visits would be finalised through diplomatic channels.Modi highlighted the strong civilisational links between the two countries, and stressed on “building on it to enhance our understanding”.

Wang, sent here by the Chinese president as his Special Envoy to meet the new leadership, also called on President Pranab Mukherjee.

The President told Wang there was consensus across the political spectrum in India on maintaining a close and cooperative relationship with China.