Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao met here today, with the Indian leader conveying the intention to expand cooperation in all areas and strengthen the strategic and economic partnership.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation with particular focus on economy and trade, amid India's concerns over the imbalance in favour of China.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Singh told Hu that India was "keen to expand areas of cooperation" with China.
"I wish to reaffirm the desire to strengthen strategic and economic partnership with China in every possible way," the Prime Minister said.
As the two leaders greeted each other warmly, Singh pointed out to Hu that they had met a number of times, including on the sidelines of G-20 and BRIC Summits.
Hu said it was pleasure to meet Singh and that he looked forward to exchanging views on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest.