China and India signed eight agreements in New Delhi on Monday, following talks between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his visiting Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang in the Indian capital city.
The deals signed today covered diverse areas, including economic, urban development as well as water management.
Addressing a joint press conference with Li on Monday, Singh stressed that a strong relationship between New Delhi and Beijing is vital for the development of the two nations and maintaining stability and prosperity in the region.
Singh said he and Li agreed during their discussions to work together for enhancing mutual trust between the two nations, and added that he had accepted an invitation extended by the Chinese Premier to visit his country.
"We have had candid discussions since Sunday night. We are delighted that there are so many areas of convergence and meeting of minds. We agreed that our ties are of significance for our peaceful development, stability in the region and prosperity," Singh said.
Regarding last month's flare up of the decades-long border dispute between the two nations, the Indian Premier said: "We have had our differences in more recent times but have built a mutually beneficial relationship. The basis for continued growth is peace on our borders. While seeking early resolution of border, peace must be preserved."
In response, Li admitted the existence of differences between the two countries on several issues, and stressed that the two nations must work together to resolve those difference and make joint efforts to advance their peaceful development and ensure sustained growth.
"We are friendly neighbors and will do nothing that will damage the interest of the other side. Without common development of India and China, Asia will not become strong and the world will not be a better place," Li was quoted as saying at the press conference by the Indian media.
Explaining his decision to make India the first stop of his maiden overseas trip sine taking office, the Chinese PM stressed on the importance Beijing attaches to its ties with New Delhi and said: "The purpose of my current visit to India is three-fold -- to increase mutual trust, to intensify cooperation and to face the future."
"On the basis of deeper mutual trust, our two countries can further deepen our mutual understanding and construct a new type of relations between major countries, promote healthy and sound development of China and India. That will be a true blessing for Asia and the world." Li added.
Li arrived in New Delhi on Sunday on the first leg of his maiden overseas tour, which will also take him to Pakistan, Switzerland and Germany. While in India, he will hold talks with other senior members of the Indian government, including President Pranab Mukherjee, governing Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi and Opposition leader Sushma Swaraj of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.