PM to meet Chinese, Russian Presidents today

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will have bilateral meetings with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev here today to discuss India’s relations with these countries and present uncertainties in global, political and economic arena.
The meeting with the Chinese President is scheduled to be held at about 1330 hrs IST (1600 hrs Chinese time).
The meeting with the Russian President will be held after discussions between Dr Singh and Mr Jintao.
Sources said that several initiatives are expected to be announced for strengthening India-China and India-Russia relationship.
The sources said at the meeting with the Chinese President, focus is likely to be on strengthening trade and economic relations rather than irritant in bilateral relations like the stapled visa row and border issues.
Both countries expressed concern at the trade imbalance between them and proposed to take more interest in bridging the gap.
India is seeking greater market access to China especially in information technology area.
Dr Singh and Mr Jintao are also expected to take a joint stand on the Libyan crisis.
Both nations have proposed unilateral military action and called for an end to the disturbances in the region. The sources also said they will discuss the resumption of bilateral defence exercises which were suspended in July after Beijing refused visa to an Indian Army commander posted in Jammu and Kashmir.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lie said his country is ready to work with India, have friendly consultations and properly handle the issues relating to people-to-people exchange.