Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said here Monday that his official visit to India is aimed at enhancing mutual trust and deepening bilateral cooperation, and is future-oriented.

Li made the remarks to the press at a welcoming ceremony held by his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh in his honor at the presidential palace.

"This is my first foreign trip since I assumed the premiership, and choosing India as the first leg of my tour is because India is China's important neighbor and also because I once visited India 27 years ago," said Li.

Li arrived in New Delhi Sunday afternoon and had a brief meeting with Singh.

After his stay in India, Li will also visit Pakistan, Switzerland and Germany. Endi