China's new premier Li Keqiang to visit India next week

BEIJING: Hailing the "proper settlement" of the recent border stand off between the two armies in Ladakh as a reflection of "mature handling" of Sino-Indian ties, China today formally announced its new Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India, the first stop of his maiden foreign tour.

Li will be in India on a three-day visit from May 19 during which he would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other Indian leaders, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told media briefing here today.

57-year-old Li will also visit India's financial capital Mumbai before leaving for Pakistan.

According to Chinese officials, Li has chosen India to be the first stop of his first foreign tour after assuming charge in March. Besides India and Pakistan, the Chinese premier will also visit Germany and Switzerland.

During his talks with Indian leaders, Li will exchange views with them on China-India relations in particular how to deepen China-India strategic partnership, Hong said.

"We believe this visit to India by Li will further push forward the strategic cooperation for common development and prosperity", he said.

China has chosen both Russia and India to be the first destination of its new leaders' foreign visits.

While President Xi Jinping chose to visit Russia on his way to BRICS summit in March, Li chose India to be his first destination abroad to send a message of commitment of the new leadership to further friendly relations with New Delhi.

However, his gesture of friendship was overshadowed by a sudden move by Chinese military personnel to pitch tents at the Daulat Beig Oldi in Ladakh sector leading to a 20-day stand-off between the two countries.