Chinese President Hu Jintao has met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Both sides vowed to raise the strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L, front) meets with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (R, front) in New Delhi, capital of India, March 29, 2012. [Xinhua ]

During the meeting, President Hu Jintao said that as the two largest developing nations, China and India face important development opportunities and China-India relations have great potential for further development.

The Chinese president put forward a five-point proposal on promoting China-India relations. Hu said the two countries should maintain high-level contacts and increase political mutual trust. The nations should expand exchanges between their governments, legislatures, political parties and the military. They must also strengthen strategic communication through various consultation mechanisms and carry out dialogue on new topics such as maritime cooperation. Hu also added that the two sides should deepen practical cooperation and expand mutual benefits.

The Chinese President also suggested that China and India should expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges so as to promote mutual understanding.

As well Hu stated that the two countries should properly handle their differences and work for peace and stability.

And, finally, Hu said the two countries should strengthen communication and coordination to expand cooperation in international affairs. China and India should enhance coordination and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, the Group of 20 and BRICS, among others, and work together to address major global challenges such as climate change, energy and food security.

Meanwhile, the Indian Prime Minister said India-China relations are one of the most important bilateral relationships in the 21st Century.

He said India is ready to maintain high-level contacts with China so as to deepen mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

Singh also said India has no intention to contain China and will not take part in any schemes aimed at containing China. He expressed the hope to work with China to maintain peace and security on the borders and properly resolve border issues through friendly talks.

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