Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India will give a vision for the future development of bilateral relations with economic cooperation the top focus for next year, said Indian Ambassador to China S. Jaishankar.

S. Jaishankar is the Indian ambassador to China. [China Daily]

"I am confident that we will see a very productive visit," he told China Daily in a recent exclusive interview ahead of Wen's three-day visit to India from Dec 15 to 17. 

"The premier's visit provides an opportunity to assess the progress in the India-China relationship and to give a vision for its future growth," he said.

The ambassador said there has been much ground for satisfaction considering the dramatic changes in bilateral ties since Wen's last visit in 2005.

"We are engaging each other more broadly and positively than ever before. The economic relationship in particular is booming," he said.

"As rising powers, it is also important that we coordinate closely on global issues," he added.

About 400 Chinese business leaders will accompany Wen to India, and deals worth some $20 billion in finance, infrastructure, energy, telecommunication and pharmaceuticals are likely to be finalized, Indian newspaper Daily News and Analysis reported.

"On a broad range of economic issues, the benchmark for cooperation is being constantly raised as performance exceeds expectations," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar said the two nations are currently planning events for next year focusing on the economy and people-to-people contacts.

"We hope to increase networking and promote awareness in China of the capabilities of Indian companies," he said.