Li's India visit attracts global attention

Emphasis on cooperation

India and China stressed the need for cooperation as the world's two most populous countries, says an article in the Wall Street Journal. Excerpts:

"India and China have a historic opportunity for economic and social development and the realization of this goal will advance peace and prosperity in Asia and the world at large," the two sides said in a statement.

Areas of potential greater cooperation include improving ties between Chinese enterprises and the Indian information-technology industry, the statement said. The two countries are aiming for trade volume of $100 billion by 2015, up from $73.9 billion in 2011.

Many economists say India will achieve trade parity with China only when it develops a more mature manufacturing base.

New strategic partnership

New Delhi thought "very highly" of Mr Li's decision to make India his first foreign stop and the aim of the talks was to "enhance trust", says an article in the BBC. Excerpts:

China's Premier Li Keqiang is traveling to India in the first stop of his maiden foreign trip since taking office. Beijing hopes the visit will help build trust and a new strategic partnership to the benefit of both countries, China's official news agency Xinhua said.

Boosting trade ties is also expected to dominate the talks. China is already one of India's top trading partners and both countries have already agreed a new $100 billion bilateral trade target for 2015.

Significance of neighbors

Li Keqiang's first foreign trip as premier aims to help settle border dispute and boost economic ties with India, said an article by Al-Jazeera based in Qatar. Excerpts:

China's new premier has arrived in India for his first foreign trip as the two Asian countries look to speed up efforts to settle a decades-old border dispute and strengthen economic ties.

China said on Sunday that Li Keqiang's choice of India for his first trip abroad since taking office in March shows the importance the country attaches to improving relations with its western neighbor.

Bhaskar Roy, a New Delhi-based political analyst, said it is very interesting that Li's first stop in his tour is India. "This shows a change in the way of thinking or readjustment of thinking in Beijing," he said. "According to Chinese officials, they are entering a new age of foreign policy or diplomacy, which seeks to encompass neighbors."