Singh, for his part, said that India and China are strategic partners and that promoting friendly and cooperative relations with China is the consensus of the Indian government and people.

The two sides have witnessed rapid growth in economic and trade during the past several years, conducted satisfactory exchanges in areas of defense and security, and made consultations and cooperation in global and regional issues like climate change and food prices, said Singh.

On the demarcation of borders between the two countries, Hu expressed hope that the two sides should work out at an early date a fair and just solution acceptable to both sides, in the spirit of peace and friendship, consultation on an equal footing, and mutual respect and understanding,

Noting the important headway already made, Singh suggested the two sides make joint efforts to preserve peace and tranquility in the border areas before a final resolution is achieved, he added. He also expressed hope that the two sides should continue to facilitate the process.

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is scheduled to open in a month's time. Hu said that the 2008 Beijing Olympics is a grand sports event for Asia as well as for the world at large. It has drawn wide attention and has rallied broad support from the international community, including that from India, said Hu.

He expected outstanding performance of the Indian athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Singh said that as an Asian country, India is delighted to see the achievement made by China. He wished the historic Beijing Olympics an enormous success.

During their talks, President Hu expressed heartfelt thanks to the Indian government and leaders for their support and assistance to China's quake-hit southwestern Sichuan province.