Global prosperity not possible without development of India and China: Premier Li Keqiang

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who is on a three-day state visit to India, on Monday said that global prosperity would not be possible without the simultaneous development of China and India.

Keqiang, who received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here this morning, told media that the combined population of China and India is a third of the world's population, and therefore, both China and India are important world markets.

"Development and prosperity of the world cannot happen without the simultaneous development of India and China," he added.

He also said a China-India regional trading association would be launched along with an economic trade corridor.

"I will have in-depth discussions with the Indian PM and other leaders to take our relationship forward and settle our differences," he said.

"With this visit, I hope that both sides increase mutual strategic trust, both countries are ancient civilisations," he added.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh firmly raised the quick resolution of the boundary question during his informal talks with Premier Li Keqiang at his 7, Race Course Road (RCR) official residence last evening ahead of a private dinner that he hosted.

During their restricted talks, Dr. Singh is also believed to have flagged India's concerns about China constructing dams on the River Brahmaputra in Tibet which could severely affect water flowing downstream to India.

Dr. Singh also conveyed that resolving differences on perceptions of borders is of utmost importance for maintaining peace and tranquillity and to nurture Sino-India ties.

After the restricted talks, Dr. Singh hosted a dinner for the visiting dignitary.

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat were among the leaders who attended the dinner.