China PM Li Keqiang next on PM Modi’s agenda

Mr Modi after having met all the SAARC leaders on his first day in office has now turned his attention towards China. He has added that China had always been a priority in India’s foreign policy. He added that he would welcome greater economic engagement between China and India in the recent future. PM Modi has extended through Chinese Premier Li Keqiang an invitation to President Xi Jinping to pay a visit to India later this year. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29 to express his government’s desire to establish a “robust partnership” with India. Mr Modi also expressed “keenness” to work closely with China on all “outstanding issues”.

Li is the first foreign leader to call up Mr Modi after he was sworn in. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is expected at Delhi on June 8. Mr Modi and Li spoke through interpreters for about 25 minutes. The Chinese leader also congratulated Mr Modi for his fabulous victory in the recently concluded LS elections while conveying the Chinese government’s desire to establish robust partnership with the new government of India for furthering the relationship between the two nations.
Mr Modi welcomed greater economic engagement between the two countries. He underlined his government’s resolve to deal with any outstanding issues in bilateral relations for long-term benefits to the people.

The two leaders agreed to keep up frequent high-level exchanges and communication. Mr Modi also thanked Li for his earlier message of felicitation. China had formally greeted Mr Modi by sending a special message through Indian Ambassador to Beijing Ashok K Kantha. Mr Modi and Xi will have an opportunity to meet during the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa summit to be held in Brazil in July.