New Delhi: All issues would be on the table, including the India-China boundary question, when Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Sunday evening.
Li, who arrives in India on Sunday afternoon on a three-day state visit, and Dr Singh are also likely to discuss the proposed border defence cooperation agreement during their talks, sources said on Saturday.
Li’s visit comes days after the 20-day India-China border stand-off was resolved on May 5.
A platoon of Chinese troops had made made incursions about 19 km inside the Line of Actual Control (LAC) – the disputed border – April 15 and pitched tents.
The row was resolved after several rounds of negotiations – military and diplomatic – with both sides reverting to the position that existed before April 15.
China proposed a border defence cooperation agreement on May 5, and India has made some suggestions to be included in the draft.
Talks are ongoing on the draft, said the source, adding that “it will continue to be discussed”.
The draft “essentially consolidates and brings together” earlier protocols and agreements.
The trade imbalance would also figure in talks. India is to press for market access in pharmaceuticals and IT. Bilateral trade was $66 billion last year as China became India’s second-largest trading partner.
However, the trade imbalance stands at $28.87 billion, which is in favour of China.
Both sides are also expected to discuss regional and international issues, including Afghanistan.
Li will attend a dinner hosted by the Indian prime minister on Sunday. He will be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan Monday and will visit Rajghat to offer tributes.
He will then hold delegation-level talks with the prime minister at Hyderabad House, after which the two sides are expected to ink some agreements. The prime minister will host a lunch for the Chinese premier.
He will be called upon by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and leader of the opposition Sushma Swaraj. Li will call upon Vice President Hamid Ansari and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.(IANS)